Lisbon's flagship technology conference, Web Summit, has been forced to cancel its second day as Storm Charles lashes Portugal with severe winds and coastal flooding. Organisers confirmed on Tuesday evening that the event, held at the FIL exhibition centre in Parque das Nações, would not open on Wednesday, November 11th, after the Portuguese government formally advised against it.
In an email to attendees, Web Summit said the decision followed discussions with the Portuguese government, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), and the Public Security Police (PSP). The government's warning cited "tidal flooding, severe disruption to public transport and the impact of high winds on external structures" as the main risks. The organisers stressed that "the safety and security of our attendees, staff and contractors is always our absolute priority."
The cancellation comes after Portugal's Minister of Internal Administration declared a state of emergency earlier on Tuesday, ordering the closure of schools and non-essential public services nationwide. Access to coastal and riverside areas, as well as other flood-prone locations, has been prohibited, particularly in zones historically identified as most vulnerable.
Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, had already suggested on Tuesday morning that the summit should be called off, but left the final decision to the central government and the organisers. The move reflects the severity of Storm Charles's impact on Portugal and Madeira, which has prompted rare weather warnings across the region.
A rare meteorological event
Storm Charles is an unusual late-autumn system, with meteorologists highlighting the possibility of a sting jet—a narrow, intense band of winds that can cause sudden and extreme gusts. Portugal has been bracing for this rare phenomenon, which adds an extra layer of danger to an already volatile weather pattern.
The storm is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to both Portugal and Spain, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The disruption to public transport has been a particular concern for Web Summit, which draws tens of thousands of international visitors to Lisbon each year.
Web Summit said it plans to resume on Thursday, with the full programme expected to go ahead as scheduled. Attendees have been advised to check their email and the official app for updates on any changes to the schedule.
The cancellation is a significant blow to the event, which had opened on Tuesday with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and robotics. This year's edition had already made headlines for its record Chinese presence and the presence of robot speakers, as well as an ongoing probe into Nvidia's business practices.
For Lisbon, the storm is a reminder of the city's vulnerability to extreme weather, even as it positions itself as a hub for innovation and global events. The municipality has been working on flood defences, but the sheer intensity of Storm Charles has overwhelmed normal precautions.
As the storm continues to move across the Iberian Peninsula, authorities are urging vigilance. The state of emergency is expected to remain in place until conditions improve, with further updates from the ANEPC and the Ministry of Internal Administration.
For now, the tech world's attention turns to Thursday, when Web Summit hopes to reopen its doors and deliver the remaining two days of talks, networking, and product launches. Until then, Lisbon's streets remain quiet, as the city hunkers down against one of the most powerful storms in recent memory.
