Bruna calls for extra care at sea and on land across the Azores

Storm Bruna is already affecting the weather in the Azores and has prompted yellow wind warnings for all three island groups. The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) expects conditions to worsen from the early hours of Sunday, 8 November.

According to IPMA, gusts could reach 90 km/h across all island groups. It also forecasts northwesterly waves of up to six metres around the Central and Eastern groups and has issued rough-sea warnings for those islands. Rain warnings have also been issued for São Miguel and Santa Maria.

In a maritime alert published on the morning of 6 November, the Portuguese Navy and National Maritime Authority warned of worsening conditions from late that afternoon through the early hours of 10 November. Their forecast mentioned significant wave heights of up to six metres, maximum waves of 10 metres and gusts of up to 152 km/h. Significant wave height is the average height of the highest third of waves.

The authorities recommend securing moored and anchored boats with additional lines and keeping watch over them. They also advise against walking in places exposed to heavy seas, including breakwaters, beaches and cliffs.

Recreational fishing near cliffs and rocky shorelines exposed to breaking waves should be avoided, as waves can reach places that appear safe. Residents, visitors and maritime workers should follow updates from IPMA and the maritime authorities when planning trips or activities at sea.