The Azores archipelago is set to be impacted by Hurricane Gabrielle “in the coming hours,” expected to bring “very strong winds, heavy rains, and dangerous waves.” To assist residents, the Public Security Police (PSP) has issued a series of “important recommendations.”
In the upcoming hours, drivers should pay “attention to temporary traffic signs and alerts for adverse conditions.”
They are also advised to “avoid long journeys in deteriorated conditions” and to “check weather conditions before driving.”
Furthermore, it is recommended to “maintain the vehicle, including the braking system, lights, and tires, to ensure it is equipped for adverse conditions.”
During periods of “intense rain,” drivers should “reduce speed, increase safety distance, avoid sudden braking, and use dipped headlights.”
In “foggy conditions,” the PSP advises drivers to “use fog lights, reduce speed, increase the distance between vehicles, and avoid overtaking.”
Driving in “areas with strong winds” should be avoided. However, if necessary, drivers should keep “both hands on the wheel,” be cautious of “loose objects on the road,” and exercise “care when overtaking large vehicles.”
In a social media alert, the PSP also recommended:
- Avoid non-essential travel, especially in coastal or risk-prone areas;
- Collect or secure outdoor objects that might be blown by the wind;
- Stay away from cliffs, port areas, and surf zones;
- Stay updated with official information from the Civil Protection, IPMA, and PSP.
Weather in the Azores to Worsen by Late Thursday
Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle is expected to pass through the Azores as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale (ranging from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most severe), worsening the weather conditions from late today.
The Central Group (Pico, Faial, Graciosa, Terceira, and São Jorge) is predicted to experience “heavy rainfall, winds with gusts up to 200 kilometers/hour from the south, shifting to northwest, and sea agitation with significant wave heights between eight and 10 meters, with a maximum wave height reaching 14 to 18 meters.”
The Western Group (Flores and Corvo) will also face heavy rainfall and gusts up to 130 kilometers/hour, with similar sea conditions to the Central Group.
Both groups currently hold several red warnings from the IPMA—the highest on a scale of three—lasting from late today until Friday morning.
On the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria (Eastern Group), “occasionally heavy rainfall,” gusts between 100 and 120 kilometers/hour, and waves up to nine meters in significant height are expected.
The Regional Government has declared a state of alert from 6:00 p.m. today until 6:00 p.m. Friday in the Central and Western groups, prohibiting certain activities due to the passage of the tropical cyclone.
The Azores archipelago is set to be hit by Hurricane Gabrielle in the coming hours. The Government, along with Civil Protection and municipalities, are taking precautionary measures to ensure damage is not as severe as that caused by the Lorenzo storm.
Natacha Nunes Costa | 11:48 – 25/09/2025
