Storm laurence: Travel chaos and damage in Portugal's south
Storm Laurence brought strong winds to Portugal, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights and causing damage in tourist regions such as Madeira and the Algarve.
Storm Laurence, which struck Portugal, caused significant disruptions to air traffic. On Monday, March 17, dozens of flights were cancelled or redirected to other airports. The hardest-hit areas are Madeira and the Algarve, where strong winds and heavy rainfall are making life difficult for residents and tourists.
Madeira and Algarve under the influence of the elements
At the airport in Funchal, the main city of Madeira, several flights were cancelled until midnight due to strong winds.
According to RTP Madeira television, among the cancelled flights was a flight from Warsaw, which was redirected to Tenerife, Spain. Madeira authorities warn that there may be flight disruptions to Madeira and the neighbouring island of Porto Santo until Thursday.
The government meteorological agency (IPMA) issued the highest alert, red alert, for the northern part of Madeira and Porto Santo, warning of waves ranging from 7 to 16 metres high.
Tornadoes and destruction in the Algarve
In the Algarve, a popular tourist region, the storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds. Late in the afternoon, three tornadoes were reported, which uprooted trees and tore roofs off buildings. In southern Portugal, work is ongoing to clear broken branches and fallen trees from the roads, and at least two people were injured.
The situation in Portugal is being monitored continuously, and residents and tourists are being warned of further risks associated with adverse weather conditions.
