As Hurricane Gabrielle approaches the Azores, regional authorities are reinforcing emergency protocols and urging residents to prepare for significant impacts.
The storm is expected to reach the archipelago late Thursday into Friday, bringing intense winds, heavy rainfall, high seas, and coastal flooding. Although weakening is anticipated as the system moves over cooler waters, it will still bring severe conditions.
According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), Gabrielle is projected to approach the Azores as a hurricane or high-end tropical storm.
Forecasts indicate sustained winds of 120–165 km/h, with gusts possibly exceeding 200 km/h in exposed areas. Rainfall could reach up to 130 mm (5 inches), increasing the risk of flash flooding and landslides. Offshore waves may reach heights of over 10 meters (33 feet), with storm surges threatening low-lying coastal zones.
Red alerts remain in effect across the western islands of Flores and Corvo, as well as the central group of Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa, and Terceira, for wind, rain, and maritime hazards.
The eastern islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria are currently under orange alert, though warnings may be upgraded depending on the storm’s track.
Authorities have announced the closure of schools, public offices, and municipal services in high-risk islands. Ferry operations are suspended, ports in Horta, Madalena, and Lajes are closed, and inter-island flights have been canceled. Civil Protection has mobilized rescue teams, medical units, and supplies, pre-positioned in vulnerable municipalities to respond to potential emergencies.
Regional President José Manuel Bolieiro, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, has warned, “Our entire region must stay vigilant. Gabrielle’s path and intensity may still evolve. We call on every islander and visitor to heed warnings, avoid travel, and secure property well in advance.”
Beyond the Azores, meteorologists are also monitoring Gabrielle’s broad swells across the Atlantic, which are expected to reach the U.S. East Coast later this week. Even as Gabrielle transitions into a post-tropical system after passing the Azores, the storm’s energy is projected to generate dangerous rip currents, high surf, and hazardous boating conditions from Florida to New England. U.S. authorities, including the National Hurricane Center (NHC), have warned beachgoers and mariners to exercise extreme caution along the coast.
The storm is expected to transition into a post-tropical system after passing the Azores, moving eastward toward mainland Portugal and western Spain over the weekend. Even in a weakened state, Gabrielle may bring strong winds and heavy rains to parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
Residents and visitors in the Azores are advised to remain indoors during peak winds, secure outdoor objects, and avoid coastal and riverside areas. All citizens are urged to follow official bulletins from IPMA and the Regional Civil Protection Service. In case of emergency, dial 112.
PAJ/Staff /This developing story will be updated
The Azores (population 250,000) is a region of Portugal composed of nine islands. The archipelago, discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, became an Autonomous Region of Portugal in 1976. The government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores includes the Legislative Assembly, composed of 57 elected deputies, elected by universal suffrage for a four-year term; the Regional Government and Presidency, with parliamentary legitimacy, composed of a President, a Vice-President and seven Regional Secretaries responsible for the Regional Government’s executive operations. The Autonomous Region of the Azores is represented in the Council of Ministers of the Central Government by a representative appointed by the President of Portugal. According to the latest US census, over 1.3 million individuals of Portuguese descent live in the United States, the majority with roots in the Azores. It is estimated that over 20,000 US citizens live in Portugal.
