Rough seas. Bars closed and 10 districts under warning.

Six maritime bars are closed to navigation this Tuesday due to strong sea agitation, which led the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) to issue a yellow warning for 10 districts of mainland Portugal.

According to information available on the Portuguese Navy website, the maritime bars of Caminha, Douro, Esposende, Vila Praia de Âncora, Vila do Conde and Portinho da Ericeira are closed to navigation and those of Aveiro and Figueira da Foz are restricted.

Due to rough seas, the districts of Porto , Faro , Setúbal , Viana do Castelo , Lisbon , Leiria , Beja , Aveiro , Coimbra and Braga have been under yellow warning since 6:00 am this Tuesday and until 6:00 am on Wednesday.

The yellow warning, the least serious, is issued when there is a risk situation for certain activities dependent on the weather situation.

In a statement on Monday, the IPMA explained that waves with significant heights of up to four meters are expected on the west coast on Tuesday, and that they could reach a maximum height of up to seven meters , an uncommon situation in August and which results from the positioning of post-tropical cyclone ERIN.

“The very high peak period values, expected to last between 15 and 20 seconds, are noteworthy, which will result in very energetic waves with a high volume of water , significantly increasing the risk of strong rip currents near the coast,” indicates the IPMA.

According to the Institute, during the afternoon high tide period, combined with a predictably high tidal range, several beaches may be left without available sand.

"Due to the northwesterly swell, the southern coast of the Algarve will not be as exposed to this situation, with southwesterly waves up to one meter expected," according to the IPMA.

The swell will remain strong on the west coast throughout the week , with significant heights between two and three meters.

“This situation, while not unprecedented, is uncommon in the months of July and August, so it is recommended that warnings be followed and the recommendations suggested by the competent authorities be followed,” the Institute added.

Following the worsening of maritime conditions, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) and the National Maritime Authority (AMN) alerted the population, advising preventive measures.

The AMN urged swimmers to be careful when going to the beach , and to visit beaches that are permanently supervised, respect the flags and beach signs and the instructions of lifeguards and other surveillance personnel, constantly supervise children and avoid standing under cliffs.

The AMN advised the entire maritime community to reinforce moorings and maintain close surveillance of moored and anchored vessels .

The general public was advised to avoid walks along the sea or in areas exposed to rough seas, such as port protection jetties, cliffs or beaches, to avoid being caught by a wave.

The maritime authority also indicated that recreational fishing should not be practiced under these conditions, especially near cliffs and cliff areas frequently hit by breaking waves, “always bearing in mind that under these conditions the sea can easily reach apparently safe areas”.