Hurricane Gabrielle triggers Azores travel advisory

A warning of hurricane force winds and flooding has been issued for the Azores.

The Foreign Office travel advisory came ahead of Hurricane Gabrielle hitting the Portuguese archipelago in the mid-Atlantic.

It carried a warning of disruption to services due to hurricane force winds and possible coastal flooding.

“If you are due to travel, check for messages from your travel provider,” the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advised. 

Hurricane Gabrielle was forecast to reach the Azores on Thursday afternoon with winds gusting to reach up to 80mph 

The US National Hurricane Centre said: “Gabrielle is expected to produce tropical storm conditions across the central and southeastern Azores this morning (Friday), with the strongest winds occurring at highest elevations.

“A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding in areas of onshore winds in the Azores. The surge will be accompanied by larges and destructive waves.

“Heavy rainfall from Gabrielle could produce flash flooding across the terrain of the central Azores through this morning.”

The FCDO advised travellers to monitor Gabrielle on the US National Hurricane Centre website but noted that “hurricanes can change course and intensity”.