“The forecast for sea conditions predicts a significant deterioration of weather and maritime agitation in mainland Portugal starting at 6 a.m. tomorrow [Saturday],” until “noon on Sunday, September 28,” according to a statement from the maritime authority.
The note states that the maritime agitation “will be characterized by a west quadrant swell, with a significant height potentially reaching seven meters and a maximum height of 12 meters, with an average period varying between six and 12 seconds.”
“Winds from the south quadrant with an average intensity of up to 85 km/h and gusts up to 150 km/h are expected,” it adds.
In light of these forecasts, the AMN and the Navy advise “the entire maritime community and the general public to take precautions both when preparing for a trip to sea and when at sea or in coastal areas,” namely to “reinforce moorings and keep a close watch on docked and anchored vessels.”
Authorities also recommend “avoiding walks near the sea or in areas exposed to maritime agitation, such as port protection jetties, cliffs, or beaches, to avoid being caught off guard by a wave.”
Another piece of advice is to “avoid engaging in recreational fishing, especially near cliffs and areas frequently hit by wave breaking, always keeping in mind that under these conditions the sea can easily reach seemingly safe areas.”
Forecasts indicated that tropical cyclone Gabrielle would pass through the Azores as a category 1 hurricane, but it has transformed into a post-tropical storm.
