The state of the sea is expected to worsen on Saturday night and Sunday morning with waves reaching 15 metres along the west coast.The Navy and the National Maritime Authority both today warned of a worsening sea in the coming days, with an exceptionally poor forecast for Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Lieutenant Quaresma dos Santos, from the Hydrographic Institute, said that this type wave action is "exceptional" and occurs only "two or three times a year.”
dos Santos said that the peak of the sea’s turbulence will occur on Saturday night and Sunday morning, reaching up and down the west coast, "the Algarve being the least affected region."
During this period waves hitting western shores and cliffsm will reach 10 to 15 meters in height.
The sea level is about half a meter above average so with a strong tide, low pressure and a fierce wind, coastal areas can expect the worst as storm Felix crosses the north of the country, having started in the Azores on Thursday and swept through Maderia.
This is a set of conditions that the Navy warns is "exceptional" and can create situations of risk along the coastline, with many ports already closed down. People have already been told to avoid cliffs and beaches. (HERE)
On land, the National Civil Protection Authority has issued flood warnings and isssued alerts for fallen trees and treacherous roads.
There will be strong and persistent rain throughout the country until Sunday, especially in central and northern areas.
