Severe Weather in the Azores Forces Evacuations and Flood Response

On Thursday, heavy rain and thunderstorms hit the Azores, prompting orange‑level weather warnings for both the Central and Eastern groups of islands. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) warned of moderate to high risk, with strong downpours, gusts up to 100 km/h and possible rough seas.

The Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service recorded seven incidents, including floods in Vila Franca do Campo, a home in Nordeste (São Miguel), a house in Velas, and a road collapse in the Nortes area of São Jorge. In Praia da Vitória on Terceira, the campsite was deemed unusable and 67 people were relocated. Authorities urged residents to follow IPMA forecasts and adopt self‑protection measures.