Storm Charles: red warning in Madeira tonight and what families should do
IPMA has issued a red warning for heavy rain on the south coast and in the mountains, with gusts up to 140 km/h, from Tuesday 9 pm to Wednesday morning. Warnings by area and safety tips.
Storm Charles reaches Madeira tonight. IPMA, Portugal's weather service, has raised the warning to red, its highest level, for heavy and persistent rain on the south coast and in the mountains, and for very strong gusts in the mountains. The worst is expected between Tuesday 9 pm and Wednesday 6 am, with wind and rain easing during Wednesday morning.
Warnings by area
| Area | Warning | When |
|---|---|---|
| South coast | 🔴 Heavy, persistent rain | Tue 9 pm → Wed 6 am (orange until 9 am) |
| Mountains | 🔴 Heavy rain · 🔴 gusts up to 140 km/h | Rain Tue 9 pm → Wed 6 am; gusts Wed 0–6 am |
| South and north coasts | 🟠 Gusts up to 100 km/h | Tue 9 pm → Wed midday |
| North coast | 🟠 Heavy, persistent rain | Tue 9 pm → Wed 9 am |
| Porto Santo | 🟠 Gusts up to 100 km/h · 🟡 rain | Tue 9 pm → Wed midday |
| Sea | 🟡 Waves of 4 to 5 m | Wednesday |
Warnings may change. Follow them live, area by area, on our weather page, which uses IPMA data.
Get the house ready before 9 pm
- Bring in plants, toys and loose objects from balconies and terraces.
- Clear drains and gutters.
- Charge phones and power banks and keep a torch handy.
Outside
- No mountains, levadas or trails until the warnings end. Walking trails may stay closed after the storm while they are checked.
- Keep away from streams, the coastline and seafront promenades.
- Never cross flooded roads, on foot or by car.
- Watch out for falling trees, branches and loose structures.
With children
- Wednesday morning is for staying in. Follow any announcements from schools and the Regional Education Department.
- Explain calmly what is happening: wind and rain are noisy, but the house is safe.
- Prepare quiet activities for the morning: board games, drawing, a film.
Travel
- Lobo Marinho: Wednesday's sailings to Porto Santo move to Thursday.
- Flying on Wednesday? Check your flight with the airline before leaving for the airport.
In an emergency, call 112. Follow IPMA and the Madeira Regional Civil Protection Service for official updates.
Sources: IPMA warnings checked on 10 November 2026 at 3:30 pm; RTP Madeira and DNOTICIAS. Safety advice based on the usual recommendations of the Madeira Regional Civil Protection Service.