The U.S. Consulate in Ponta Delgada, Portugal, has announced it will close on Friday, September 26, as Hurricane Gabrielle is expected to impact the Azores overnight on September 25. The closure is a precaution due to anticipated unsafe transportation conditions.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Warning for all Azorean Islands. According to the alert, hurricane conditions are expected in the Azores from Thursday night into early Friday, with tropical storm conditions likely by Thursday evening. Significant hurricane-force wind gusts are expected across parts of the islands even after the storm center passes.
The warning also highlights the risk of a dangerous storm surge that could cause significant coastal flooding near areas with onshore winds. Large and destructive waves are expected to accompany the surge.
Rainfall totals from Hurricane Gabrielle could reach 3 to 5 inches (75 to 125 mm) across the central Azores between Thursday night and Friday morning, which may result in flash flooding in mountainous areas. Other regions of the western and eastern Azores could see 1 to 3 inches (25 to 75 mm) of rain.
The consulate advises residents and visitors in affected areas to avoid low-lying areas and beaches, refrain from unnecessary travel outdoors, monitor local media for updates, confirm flight status before traveling to airports, and follow updates from both the U.S. National Hurricane Center and Portuguese IPMA. Individuals are encouraged to prepare an emergency kit using resources such as https://www.ready.gov/kit and make evacuation plans if necessary.
For assistance or emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Portugal, contact information for both the U.S. Consulate Ponta Delgada and U.S. Embassy Lisbon is provided through their respective websites and emergency phone numbers.
Residents can also enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates and follow embassy communications on Facebook and Instagram.