Storm Charles: Portugal Landslides, Floods, Flight Chaos

Storm Charles has triggered widespread landslides and floods across Portugal, forcing the cancellation of at least 360 flights on 11 November 2026 as heavy rain and powerful wind gusts battered the mainland, the Lisbon region and the island of Madeira. Portuguese authorities reported hundreds of incidents, including fallen trees and flooded roads, but no immediate casualties or missing persons. The storm, named by the Southwestern Group of European weather agencies, weakened more quickly than forecast yet still caused major disruption to transport, schools and public services.

What is Storm Charles and where did it hit?

Storm Charles formed off the Iberian Peninsula and swept toward Portugal after passing near Madeira. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) had issued red and orange weather warnings for heavy, persistent rain and south-westerly gusts of 100–120 km/h, locally up to 140 km/h in exposed and mountainous areas. The European windstorm naming system groups regional agencies such as IPMA and Spain's AEMET, which name storms when severe weather thresholds are forecast. Although the system was downgraded to orange for several districts by late afternoon, alerts remained in force until midnight.

Landslides, floods and rescues: the scale of the damage

On Madeira, the storm peaked overnight with wind gusts up to 130 km/h. Regional authorities recorded 78 landslides, 72 floods and dozens of fallen trees. One man was rescued after being swept away when a stream burst its banks. On mainland Portugal, six national roads in the districts of Setúbal, Portalegre and Guarda were partially closed. Schools, supermarkets and other public facilities were shut as a precaution, and residents were urged to stay home.

Madeira: 78 landslides and 72 floods overnight

The island of Madeira saw the most concentrated damage. Civil protection teams responded to 78 landslides and 72 floods during the night, along with dozens of toppled trees. The rescue of a man carried away by floodwater highlighted the danger, but authorities reported no fatalities or missing people.

Mainland Portugal: roads closed and services suspended

On the mainland, heavy rain and strong winds hit the Lisbon region and the south hardest. Six national roads were partially closed, and non-essential public services, courts and schools were suspended in the affected districts. The Portuguese government downgraded red warnings to orange for Leiria, Castelo Branco, Beja and Portalegre as the storm weakened.

Flight cancellations and travel disruption

Portugal's airport operator ANA said 360 flights had been cancelled nationally by midday on 11 November. Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport was hardest hit, with more than half of arrivals and departures grounded. Earlier data from Flightradar24 showed 184 cancellations at Lisbon, 17 at Porto and 12 at Faro by mid-morning. Flights to and from the Netherlands were also affected, including one Amsterdam–Lisbon departure and three Lisbon–Amsterdam arrivals at Schiphol.

Flight cancellations by airport

• Lisbon Humberto Delgado: 184+ cancellations by mid-morning; more than half of daily flights
• Porto: 17 cancellations
• Faro: 12 cancellations
• Madeira: 16 cancellations

What should passengers know about rebooking?

TAP Air Portugal allowed passengers holding tickets issued by 10 November to rebook free of charge for travel up to 17 November. Travelers can check the latest EU passenger rights for cancelled flights to understand refunds, re-routing and assistance. Because severe weather counts as an extraordinary circumstance, cash compensation may not apply, but airlines must still provide meals, accommodation and rebooking. As with the earlier Storm Bruna disruption in Portugal, passengers are advised to confirm flight status before travelling.

Impact and government response

Before the storm arrived, Portuguese authorities placed mainland Portugal under a state of alert and closed non-essential services. 'We ask citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and follow civil protection advice,' the government said. The precautions were defended by officials, who cited high uncertainty over the storm's entry point and the risk of flooding and falling trees. Storm Charles also reached southwestern Spain, where about 2,200 residents of Piedralaves in Ávila province were evacuated. On the Canary Islands, extreme wind gusts up to 148 km/h were recorded.

FAQ

How many flights were cancelled due to Storm Charles? At least 360 flights were cancelled across Portugal by midday on 11 November 2026, with Lisbon airport accounting for more than half.

Did Storm Charles cause any deaths? No casualties or missing persons were reported, though one man was rescued on Madeira after being swept away by floodwater.

Which areas were worst affected in Portugal? The Lisbon region, southern Portugal, Setúbal, Portalegre, Guarda and the island of Madeira were among the hardest hit.

Are flights still being cancelled? Travelers should check with their airline. TAP is allowing free rebooking for tickets issued by 10 November for travel up to 17 November.