Azores Situation Report Wednesday 24th September 2025
Hurricane Gabrielle has intensified to a Category 4 storm and is projected to reach the Azores later this week. According to the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC), Gabrielle has reached Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale (out of a maximum of 5) and is expected to approach the Azores by the end of the week.
The NHC advises residents of the Azores archipelago to monitor Hurricane Gabrielle’s progress, as it is now a Category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean. On Monday afternoon, Gabrielle had maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 kph) as it moved east-southeast of Bermuda. The hurricane was located 180 miles (290 kilometers) from Bermuda and was moving north-northeast. Although the high-intensity hurricane was still more than 2,000 miles (3,230 kilometers) west of the Azores, forecasters predict that the system will continue to move north and east in the coming days, potentially approaching the Azores islands by the end of the week.
Forecasters noted that Gabrielle’s wind strength was not expected to change significantly on Monday night, and the system could gradually weaken on Tuesday and Wednesday. The system was also expected to increase its forward speed over the next few hours. The NHC reported that Gabrielle would continue to impact the east coast of the United States, from North Carolina northwards, as well as Atlantic Canada, with large waves causing dangerous conditions and rip currents.
Currently, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, although authorities have advised Bermuda residents to remain vigilant as the cyclone evolves. The NHC warned that storm surges would continue to affect Bermuda in the coming days. According to the latest update, the cyclone’s center is expected to pass between the Western (Flores and Corvo) and Central (Terceira, Graciosa, Pico, São Jorge, and Faial) groups on Friday, classified as a Category 1 Hurricane, said meteorologist Elsa Vieira from the IPMA Azores delegation. If the trajectory continues, the weather is expected to worsen across all the islands as the cyclone approaches the archipelago.
Recreational Fisherman Dies in Poça dos Frades on the Island of São Jorge
A 33-year-old recreational fisherman died on Sunday after allegedly diving while practicing underwater fishing in Poça dos Frades, in the municipality of Velas, on the island of São Jorge, according to a statement from the National Maritime Authority. The alert was received at 3:50 p.m. on Sunday by the PSP (Public Security Police), and officers from the Horta Maritime Police Local Command and the Velas Volunteer Fire Department were immediately dispatched to the scene.
The victim was removed from the water and transported to the port of Velas, where the Health Officer issued a death certificate. After contacting the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the body was subsequently transported to the Calheta health center morgue by firefighters. The Maritime Police Psychology Office was activated, and the Horta Maritime Police Local Command handled the incident.
Azorean Government Welcomes Ryanair’s Intention to Reopen Base in Ponta Delgada
The Government of the Azores expressed great pleasure upon hearing the news about Ryanair’s interest in reopening its base in Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel. The Azorean government welcomes Ryanair’s position and interest in reopening the base on São Miguel Island and is available to collaborate in developing the process, which is currently taking place within national government bodies.
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility, and Infrastructure of the Azores, under the supervision of Berta Cabral, recognizes that these investment decisions and their underlying processes are complex and depend on various factors, involving legal requirements and coordination between entities such as the Government of the Republic, the Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC), and ANA Aeroportos. However, Ryanair’s intention is seen as a clear sign of the attractiveness and potential of the Azores as a tourist destination and a positive region for investment.