The ocean has thrown an unexpected challenge this week. Six major inlets are now closed to all boats, and ten coastal regions are under a yellow weather alert. This powerful sea activity is quite unusual for this time of year, making summer plans tricky for many.
The Portuguese Navy shared updates on these closures. The bars at Caminha, Douro, Esposende, Vila Praia de Âncora, Vila do Conde, and Portinho da Ericeira are all completely shut. Additionally, the bars at Aveiro and Figueira da Foz have restricted access.
For a stretch of coast, the districts of Porto, Faro, Setúbal, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Beja, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga began their yellow warning period early Tuesday at 6 AM. This alert is set to last until Wednesday at 6 AM. A yellow warning, the least serious kind, simply means some activities that rely on good weather might face risks.
So, what’s behind this sudden surge? Weather experts at the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, or IPMA, explained it. A post-tropical cyclone named ERIN is the culprit. On Tuesday, the western coast expects significant waves reaching up to four meters, with some topping out at seven meters. That’s a rare sight for August.
IPMA also pointed out that the waves will have a very long “peak period,” lasting between 15 and 20 seconds. This means the waves will be incredibly strong and carry a lot of water. This power will create dangerous rip currents close to the shore. During the afternoon high tide, combined with very high tides overall, many beaches might just disappear under the water.
Interestingly, the south coast of the Algarve will see a different scene. Because the main waves are coming from the northwest, the Algarve’s southern shores are less exposed. They expect smaller waves, around one meter, coming from the southwest. Despite this small break, the western coast will continue to see strong waves, between two and three meters, for the rest of the week.
IPMA reminded everyone that while not unheard of, such conditions are rare in July and August. They strongly advise people to pay attention to official warnings and follow all safety advice from authorities.
In response to the rough seas, both the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) and the National Maritime Authority (AMN) have put out warnings. They want everyone to take steps to stay safe.
The AMN has a message for beachgoers: stick to beaches with lifeguards. Always pay attention to the flags and signs, and listen to what the lifeguards say. Keep a close eye on children at all times and never stand under cliffs.
For those with boats, the AMN suggests checking and strengthening your moorings. Keep a watchful eye on all docked and anchored vessels.
The general public should avoid walking near the sea, especially in places exposed to the waves. Stay away from harbor walls, cliffs, and beaches where a rogue wave could easily surprise you.
Finally, the maritime authority warns against recreational fishing in these conditions. This is especially true near cliffs and areas often hit by breaking waves. They stress that the sea can quickly reach areas that seem safe, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
