Rain warnings move across the Azores as Hanna approaches

All three island groups in the Azores are under yellow rain warnings as post-tropical depression Hanna approaches. Portugal’s weather agency, IPMA, says rainfall may be heavy at times and could be accompanied by thunderstorms. Effects are expected between October 1 and 3, reaching the western and central groups before the eastern group.

Hanna has weakened and is now classified as a post-tropical depression. At 09:00 UTC on October 1, its centre was about 1,010 kilometres southwest of the archipelago. Despite the loss of strength, IPMA expects the system to affect conditions across all nine islands.

The yellow rain warning for the western group runs from 21:00 UTC on October 1 to 12:00 UTC on October 2. For the central group, it runs from 21:00 UTC on October 1 to 18:00 UTC on October 2. The eastern group’s warning starts at 00:00 UTC on October 2 and ends at 10:00 UTC on October 3.

These different warning periods matter to residents and visitors planning travel or outdoor activities. IPMA’s bulletin says the first effects could reach the western and central groups during the afternoon of October 1, before their warning periods begin.

The forecast may change as the depression develops. IPMA advises people to follow weather updates and check any recommendations issued by the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service.