A post-tropical storm Gabrielle is currently passing through the Azores archipelago. In the Western group – Flores and Corvo – the storm appears to have passed without causing damage. However, more than 40 incidents have been recorded in the Central and Eastern groups.
Broadcasting from the Civil Protection headquarters, located on Terceira Island, RTP Açores reported that by 6:15 AM local time, 7:15 AM in mainland Portugal, 41 incidents had been recorded, primarily related to fallen trees. Flooding, structural collapses, and damage to roofs of houses were also reported.
The majority of incidents – more than 17 – were noted on Faial Island, where problems were also recorded at the port of Horta, as seen in the video below:
Terceira and São Jorge, Pico, São Miguel, and Graciosa follow.
The post-tropical cyclone Gabrielle began impacting the Azores at 10 PM local time on Thursday. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) forecasts that the “most critical period” will continue until 9 AM.
The islands in the Central (Pico, Faial, Graciosa, Terceira, and São Jorge) and Western (Flores and Corvo) groups remain under a red alert – the highest on a scale of three – due to forecasts of rain, wind, and maritime agitation.
The Regional Government declared a state of alert until 6 PM on Friday for the Central and Western groups, prohibiting certain activities.
On these islands, non-urgent and essential public services, including schools, have also been closed.
