Portugal’s popular Algarve flooded after heavy rains

Strong winds and rain battered Portugal’s Algarve on Sunday, causing flooding, fallen trees and high waves in the popular tourist region.

Firefighters had to evacuate several residents in the seaside resort town of Albufeira as high water levels struck the country’s southernmost region, according to Portuguese television.

Cars were submerged in water in Albufeira’s historic city centre, where water levels reached 1.5 meters (five feet) in some places blocking traffic and flooding bars and restaurants.

The cities of Loule and Portimao also saw flooding and gusts of winds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph).

Authorities reported large swells along the southern and western coasts where waves reached four to five meters.