An Atlantic cyclone named "Kristin" has struck Portugal, causing the most damage to the central and northern regions of the country, according to information from the BBC.
According to preliminary data, at least five people have died as a result of the hurricane, and hundreds of thousands are without electricity. The storm triggered flooding, landslides, and led to significant destruction.
In some cities, wind speeds exceeded 150 kilometers per hour. Portuguese authorities described this storm as an "extreme weather event," which resulted in the closure of educational institutions, damage to buildings, and disruptions in public transportation.
According to the civil protection service, more than 3,000 incidents caused by the bad weather have been recorded in the country. Several people were injured as a result of falling trees and various debris.
The strongest wind gusts were recorded at the Monte Real airbase in the central part of the Leiria district, reaching up to 178 km/h, after which the measuring equipment was damaged.
The energy company E-Redes reported that on Wednesday, more than 850,000 residents were left without electricity.
Transportation across Portugal was disrupted: roads, including the main highway connecting Lisbon with the northern regions, were blocked by trees and other debris.
Local authorities have urged residents of the cities of Coimbra and Leiria to stay in their homes.
In Figueira da Foz, a coastal city, a Ferris wheel was overturned, and several cars were damaged as a result of a roof being torn off one of the buildings due to strong winds.
