According to the Sub-Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command of Beiras and Serra da Estrela, based in Guarda, circulation is interrupted in four sections.

At 02.30, sections 11 (Piornos-Torre), 12 (Torre – Torre) and 13 (Torre – Lagoa Comprida) were closed, and at 05:00 am section 9, which connects Piornos to Manteigas, and also 1 and o 2, which connect Portela de Arão to Lagoa Comprida and Lagoa Comprida – Sabugueiro, respectively.

Forecasts from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) point to significant snowfall in the northern and central highlands until Sunday 10 March.

“Snow accumulations on the ground may, at certain times, exceed 20 cm at elevations above 1,000 meters in altitude, and at the highest points of Serra da Estrela it could accumulate around one meter of snow at the end of the period”, highlighted the institute.

The districts of Guarda and Castelo Branco will be under an orange warning between 03:00 am on Friday 8 March and 12:00 on Saturday 9 March due to snowfall.

The IPMA warned yesterday of the worsening of the weather, with rain, strong winds, rough seas and snowfall until Sunday 10 March, especially in the Center and North of the country.