Depression Emilia Unleashes Severe Weather on Madeira, Causing Widespread Disruption

Madeira Hit by Severe Weather from Depression Emilia

The Portuguese archipelago of Madeira has experienced significant disruption and damage over the past few days due to severe weather conditions brought by Depression Emilia. The event, which primarily affected the islands between December 12 and 14, 2025, resulted in hundreds of incidents, widespread flight cancellations, and hazardous sea conditions.

Widespread Incidents Across the Archipelago

The Regional Civil Protection Service (SRPC) reported a substantial number of occurrences across Madeira. By 8:00 PM on Saturday, December 13, a total of 307 incidents had been recorded. This number rose to 325 incidents by 7:00 AM on Sunday, December 14, and further to 349 incidents by 1:00 PM on the same day. The majority of these incidents involved fallen trees, with 185 reported by Saturday evening and 194 by Sunday morning. Other reported issues included fallen power lines, collapsed building elements, landslides, and the collapse of temporary structures. Municipalities most affected included Funchal, with 107 incidents, followed by Santa Cruz (67) and Machico (43). To manage the crisis, a significant deployment of resources was necessary, with 759 operatives and 363 technical units involved by Sunday afternoon. One person in Santa Cruz required relocation due to damage to their home.

Air and Sea Travel Chaos

The adverse weather severely impacted travel to and from Madeira. Madeira International Airport – Cristiano Ronaldo (FNC) experienced extensive disruptions, leading to the cancellation of over 180 flights between Friday and Saturday. On Saturday alone, 105 flights were cancelled, comprising 53 arrivals and 52 departures, affecting thousands of passengers. Airlines like TAP had advised passengers of potential disruptions and offered ticket changes. Flights began to resume landings from 2:54 AM on Sunday, December 14, though significant delays were anticipated as the airport worked to return to normal operations. Maritime connections were also affected, with the Porto Santo Line cancelling trips between Madeira and Porto Santo due to unsafe conditions.

Extreme Weather Conditions and Warnings

Depression Emilia brought a combination of severe weather elements. Strong to very strong winds were a major factor, with gusts reaching up to 147 km/h at the Chão do Areeiro station on December 12. Other areas, including the airport, recorded gusts exceeding 100 km/h. Heavy rainfall was also observed, with a 24-hour cumulative measure of 91 millimeters recorded at Chão do Areeiro on Saturday. Temperatures dropped below freezing in higher elevations, with Pico do Areeiro recording -0.8°C on Saturday, accompanied by snowfall. The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) issued various warnings, including orange warnings for wind and heavy precipitation, and a red warning for significant maritime agitation, with waves potentially reaching 14 meters. Coastal areas and ports, including 40 locations across the island, had restricted or closed access due to unsafe conditions.

Recovery Efforts Underway

As of Sunday, December 14, the weather conditions began to ease, allowing for a gradual restoration of preventive restrictions. Authorities continue to manage the aftermath of the depression, with efforts focused on clearing debris, restoring services, and ensuring public safety. The Port of Funchal extended warnings for strong maritime agitation and winds until Monday, December 16.