Madeira: Orange Rain Warning Issued for Mountainous Regions

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has elevated the weather warning to orange alert for heavy rainfall in the mountainous regions of Madeira. The change, announced Monday, reflects intensifying precipitation already impacting the archipelago.

An initial yellow warning, indicating localized, intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, was in effect between 6:45 PM and 9:00 PM local time. However, due to substantial rainfall recorded in the Areeiro zone, the IPMA upgraded the alert to orange status, beginning at 9:00 PM Monday evening.

The orange warning will remain in effect until 3:00 AM Tuesday, forecasting strong, persistent showers and thunderstorms, increasing the risk of localized flooding and disruptions to road traffic. Following this period, the alert will revert to yellow between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM Tuesday, with continued, albeit less intense, precipitation and thunderstorms expected. Authorities advise continued vigilance regarding weather conditions.

The IPMA has also extended the yellow warning for rain across the entire Madeira archipelago until 6:00 AM Tuesday, March 24th.

Officials are urging caution, particularly in mountainous areas, and recommend that residents monitor updates from the Regional Directorate of Civil Protection and the IPMA meteorological service.