Portugal to shut schools as Storm Charles nears

Portugal will shut schools and non-essential public services on Wednesday as Storm Charles approaches with possible winds of up to 140 kilometres per hour.

Interior Minister Luis Neves urged people to stay home if they can. Eight districts, including Lisbon, are under the highest red alert for extreme weather.

Storm Charles is expected to reach mainland Portugal on Wednesday morning after passing the island of Madeira late Tuesday.

Forecasts of heavy rain have raised fears of flooding, especially in cities. Portugal was hit by six successive storms between January 22 and February 16, which authorities said killed at least seven people. Some Portuguese media put the toll higher, at nearly 20 direct and indirect victims.