Storm Charles arrives in Portugal, placed on alert Wednesday due to fears of "extreme weather phenomena"

In anticipation of Storm Charles, which may bring heavy rain and strong winds to Portugal, authorities have closed schools and non-essential public services. The northern half of the country is under an orange alert, while the south, including Lisbon, is under a red alert. The Web Summit conferences scheduled for Wednesday in Lisbon have been canceled due to risks associated with the storm. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro warned against underestimating the dangers of extreme weather. The storm is expected to bring winds of 100 to 120 km/h and significant coastal flooding. Lisbon's city hall has closed tunnels, parks, and museums, while airports may experience delays and cancellations. Last winter, seven storms caused severe damage and fatalities in Portugal, highlighting the region's vulnerability to climate change.