The SRPCBA reported that between 00:00 local time (one hour ahead in Lisbon) and 03:07, six incidents occurred. Five occurrences were reported on the island of Faial and one on the island of São Jorge (in the municipality of Calheta).
“The reported situations involve tree falls, fallen poles, and damage to roofing,” the statement read.
On the ground, volunteers from the fire brigade, municipal civil protection services, forestry services, public works, security forces, and telecommunications operator MEO have been deployed to assist in resolving the incidents, according to SRPCBA.
Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle, affecting the Azores, has downgraded from a category 1 hurricane to a post-tropical depression; however, concerns remain, according to IPMA.
“What was previously known as Hurricane Gabrielle has lost some characteristics that defined it as a hurricane. Currently, the best term to describe it is a post-tropical cyclone,” said meteorologist Tânia Viegas from the IPMA’s Azores Regional Delegation in Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel.
She added, “This does not necessarily mean—and this is valid in this case—that it has lost intensity or that the wind gusts will be smaller.”
The tropical cyclone Gabrielle began impacting the Azores at 22:00 local time on Thursday, with the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) predicting the “most critical period” to be during the early hours.
The islands in the Central (Pico, Faial, Graciosa, Terceira, and São Jorge) and Western (Flores and Corvo) groups remain under a red warning—the highest on a scale of three—due to forecasts of rain, wind, and maritime agitation.
The Regional Government has declared an alert situation until 18:00 on Friday, in the Central and Western groups, prohibiting certain activities.
Public services deemed non-essential and not urgent, including schools, have also been closed on these islands.
