Storm Martinho has left a trail of destruction across Portugal, particularly impacting the Greater Lisbon area, as the storm brought intense rain and powerful winds on March 19 and 20, 2025.
The storm, described as one of the worst to hit the region in recent years, caused significant interruptions to daily life. Injuries were reported due to falling branches and roof tiles, prompting concern from local authorities. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas confirmed incidents of injuries across the city, underscoring the storm's severity.
In the aftermath of Storm Martinho, the Lisbon Civil Protection reported that between Thursday, March 20, and Friday, March 21, there were 5,800 recorded incidents nationwide stemming from the storm, with the majority occurring in Greater Lisbon.
Among the damage, a notable incident took place at Bernardim Ribeiro Primary School in Odivelas, where high winds ripped part of the roof off, resulting in the closure of the facility and affecting 200 students. The storm also forced the closure of 22 roads within Lisbon, showcasing the far-reaching impacts of the severe weather.
Rail traffic over the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril bridge came to a standstill between Coina and Roma-Areeiro but was able to resume operations at 7:25 AM on March 20. However, the Cascais line remained shut throughout the day on March 21, further disrupting travel plans for many.
The Civil Protection's reports indicate that Lisbon witnessed 35 percent of all serious incidents related to the storm, while Setúbal accounted for 10 percent. Other areas also faced considerable challenges, including Porto and Coimbra, with over 300 incidents in each.
In Lourinhã, 13 residents had to be rehoused after a roof collapse affected their building, a distressing situation mirrored in other incidents across the region, such as the partial collapse of a football stand at Coimbra’s Oliveira do Hospital.
Moreover, the storm left an estimated 50,000 residents in Leiria, Coimbra, and Vila Real without power due to downed lines and damage to infrastructural facilities, adding to the challenges faced by the local communities.
In Madeira, where the weather also wreaked havoc, two tourists were injured in Funchal due to falling branches, echoing the events seen on the mainland. Reports show that a total of 51 incidents were documented across the island throughout the stormy night.
As the storm continues to affect the region, Civil Protection officials have warned of ongoing bad weather persisting through Saturday, March 22, 2025, cautioning residents to prepare for additional rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas that will heighten the risk of flooding.
Interior Minister Margarida Blasco commended the collaborative efforts of approximately 13,000 personnel involved in response actions, including civil protection, police, firefighters, and local authorities, urging residents to heed safety protocols and remain indoors during this critical time.
