Hurricane Gabrielle is currently tracking towards the Azores archipelago, with significant weather impacts expected from Thursday night into Friday. The storm, moving eastward at approximately 31 mph, has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Warning for the Azores, advising residents to prepare for powerful winds, torrential rainfall, and hazardous surf conditions. As of Thursday morning GMT, Gabrielle's eye was located about 855 miles west of the islands. The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued Orange Warnings for wind and coastal events, and Yellow Warnings for rain, effective Friday morning through the afternoon.
Gabrielle previously intensified into a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph before beginning to weaken. The storm is forecast to bring up to 5 inches of rain to the central Azores, with potential for flash flooding in mountainous areas. Eastern and western regions may receive up to 3 inches. Coastal areas are expected to experience dangerous storm surge and large, destructive waves, leading to significant coastal flooding.
The Azores have a history of tropical cyclones, with at least 21 recorded events. Notable past storms include Hurricane Lorenzo in 2019, which caused wind gusts of 101 mph on Corvo Island, and Hurricane Tanya in 1995, which resulted in widespread damage and one fatality. The archipelago's vulnerability to such systems highlights the importance of current warnings and preparedness measures.
Authorities in the Azores are reinforcing emergency protocols. Regional President José Manuel Bolieiro has urged residents to heed warnings, avoid travel, and secure property. Air travel has already been significantly disrupted, with SATA Air Açores and Azores Airlines canceling numerous flights. Ports in Madalena, Lajes, and Horta have been closed, and ferry services suspended. Civil Protection services have mobilized resources to address potential emergencies across the islands.