Portugal issues weather and sea state warnings for Madeira and Azores

Authorities in Portugal have issued severe weather and maritime warnings for the Madeira and Azores archipelagos. In Madeira, the Funchal Port Captaincy issued a level 6 warning due to expected winds of force 7, with speeds ranging between 51 and 62 km/h. These conditions have led to the cancellation of trips between Madeira and Porto Santo for the upcoming weekend.

In the Azores, the National Maritime Authority (AMN) and the Navy warned of a significant worsening of sea conditions from Friday afternoon through Tuesday morning. Forecasts indicate northwest swells with significant wave heights of up to 6 meters and maximum heights reaching 10 meters. Winds from the north-northwest are expected to average 84 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 152 km/h.

The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) also issued a yellow warning for the Eastern group of the Azores, specifically São Miguel and Santa Maria, due to heavy precipitation caused by a depression named Bruna. Authorities recommend reinforcing vessel moorings and advise against coastal activities such as walking near cliffs, beaches, or port breakwaters.