Abstract

SANTOS, Ângela; MENDES, Susana  and  CORTE-REAL, João. Impacts of the storm Hercules in Portugal. Finisterra [online]. 2014, n.98, pp.197-220. ISSN 0430-5027.

The aim of this study is to analyse the impacts of the Hercules storm in Portugal. The storm occurred from January 5^th to 7^th, 2014. A brief characterization of the storm was conducted and the witnesses' accounts were compiled, complemented with field survey before and after the storm. The results show that this event had origin in a strong system of low pressure that hit Portugal. The system triggered strong sea waves with long periods, run-ups between 6 to 9 m, and inundation depths mostly under 1 m. The effects on the Portuguese coastline showed some weaknesses in the spatial planning management: (i) the fact that a wave train restricted to the beaches, front streets, ports and marinas caused significant damage; (ii) some people ignored the emergency management authorities, putting themselves in a risk situation

Keywords : Hercules storm; media; witnesses' accounts; field survey; risk awareness.

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