In a statement, AMN says that “the forecast for the state of the sea and wind points to a considerable worsening of weather conditions and rough seas on the western coast of mainland Portugal from 00:00 on Wednesday until 00:00: 00 Friday”.

“The sea agitation will be characterised by waves coming from the northwest quadrant, with a significant height that can reach 12 meters and a maximum height of 22 meters, with an average period varying between 11 and 15 seconds. Winds are expected from the northwest quadrant, with an average intensity of 93 km/h and gusts of up to 168 km/h”, describes the note.

Given these weather conditions, AMN recommends, especially to the fishing and recreational boating community at sea, that they return to the nearest port of refuge and adopt precautionary measures.

“It is also recommended that the mooring and surveillance of moored and anchored vessels be reinforced and it is advised (…) that seafarers maintain a permanent state of vigilance and monitor the evolution of the meteorological situation, through warnings to navigation and the weather forecast for the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), as well as other information made available by the captaincies (…) on the conditions of access to ports, avoiding going out to sea until conditions improve”, adds AMN.

The authorities also warn the general public about the dangers of taking walks along the coast and beaches, as well as carrying out activities in areas exposed to rough seas or affected by breaking waves.

“In particular, access to and staying near cliffs and cliff areas should be avoided, and it is essential to adopt a preventive approach and not expose yourself unnecessarily to risk. If it is absolutely necessary to go to the shore, you should remain vigilant, always keeping in mind that in these conditions the sea can easily reach apparently safe areas”, adds the note.

Seven districts on the mainland are currently under a red alert, the most serious, due to strong sea agitation, and will be under this status again on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the IPMA.

The districts of Porto, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Aveiro, Coimbra and Braga were under red alert until 12 pm today due to rough seas, and will be under this alert again, due to strong waves, between 6 pm: 00 on Wednesday and 06:00 on Thursday.

The IPMA also issued a red warning due to the state of the sea for the districts of Faro, Setúbal and Beja between 3 am and 6 am on Thursday.