Prime Minister takes command: country closed to face the storm

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has taken direct command of the Operational Coordination Center as Portugal braces for severe weather from Storm Charles. An alert has been declared nationwide, urging citizens to stay indoors and minimize travel. The storm is expected to peak between noon and 3 PM, with heavy rainfall particularly threatening Lisbon and Setúbal. The government has mandated telework for public administration and advised the private sector to follow suit. Emergency services are on high alert, with police and military mobilized to manage risks and assist in evacuations. Transportation services, including buses and trains, are suspended or heavily restricted, and cultural events like the Web Summit have been canceled. Authorities are monitoring infrastructure closely, especially bridges, and have warned of potential flooding and power outages.