LISBON, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Official data showed that Storm Elsa passing over Portugal has caused power supply failures and thousands of homes without energy, Portuguese Lusa News Agency reported on Thursday.
According to EDP, the energy supplier, power cuts are being fixed by more than 400 engineers throughout the country, under a crisis mode usually activated by the company in extreme weather conditions.
With strong winds of more than 150km/h, Storm Elsa is causing damage from north to south.
Reports say more than 50 people are homeless so far. Porto city, 300 km north of capital Lisbon, is the most affected district due to river floods, heavy rain and trees falling.
According to local authorities, one man died due to a building collapse in Viseu district, 250 km north of Lisbon.
The Portuguese Meteorologists Institute (IPMA), say this severe weather condition is to remain until Sunday.
After Storm Elsa, Portugal is forecast to be hit by Storm Fabien, which is predicted to be weaker than Elsa.
The IPMA has issued "red" alert, the highest level, for extreme weather conditions until 3 a.m. Friday local time.
