The Foreign Office has issued an urgent update for anyone heading to a Portuguese hotspot. In their fresh warning posted today (September 25), the government body noted that there is a storm approaching – and it will hit soon.

As part of its Portugal travel advice, which also covers Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores, the Foreign Office noted that there is a tropical storm warning in place for the Azores. It stressed: “Hurricane Gabrielle is expected to reach the Azores during the afternoon of 25 September.”

Because of this, there could “be disruption to services due to hurricane force winds and possible coastal flooding.” People are being urged to take care and read up on the latest advice over the next few days.

Noting that “hurricanes can change course and intensity”, the guidance stated that the situation is being closely monitored by the US National Hurricane Center. Further urging people to follow the advice of their local authority, the Foreign Office added: “If you are due to travel, check for messages from your travel provider.”

The US National Hurricane Center website further warned travellers that currently, “a hurricane warning is in effect for all of the islands of the Azores, and hurricane conditions are likely tonight into Friday. Significant hurricane-force wind gusts are likely across portions of the Azores even after the center passes.”

The warning went on to say: “A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding in areas of onshore winds in the Azores. The surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.”

As well as this, “heavy rainfall from Gabrielle could produce flash flooding across the terrain of the central Azores tonight through Friday morning. Swells generated by Gabrielle will continue to affect Bermuda during the next couple of days, and the east coast of the United States from North Carolina northward and Atlantic Canada for the next day or so.”

Guidance from the experts concluded: “These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.”

What to do if you are affected by flooding or a storm

Advice for tourists affected by extreme weather and natural hazards stresses that flooding may occur due to intense rainfall, tropical cyclones or tsunamis. Events like these can lead to widespread destruction, including loss of life and significant disruption to transportation systems.

During a flood, there is a serious risk of drowning. In the aftermath, the chances of contracting water-borne illnesses such as malaria or typhoid fever are heightened.

Officials urge people to find out more about flooding from TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre), the World Health Organisation and the Met Office.

In addition to flooding, officials warn that tropical cyclones cause “considerable loss of life” every year. They can also cause “immense damage to property, and damage transport, electricity and communication infrastructure.”

Tropical cyclones draw energy from the heat released as moist air rises into the atmosphere. The “hurricane season” occurs during the months when sea surface temperatures in a region are at their highest.

Highest risk:

• June to November in the Northern Hemisphere Tropics (Caribbean, Atlantic, Southeast Asia, Pacific, Far East)
• November to April in the Southern Hemisphere Tropics (for example, East Africa coast)

Tropical cyclones can cause:

• high winds: buildings can be damaged or destroyed; trees, power and telephone lines fall; flying debris becomes dangerous
• storm surge: a hurricane can cause a temporary rise in sea level of several metres which can flood coastal areas and damage buildings on the shoreline
• very heavy rainfall: this can cause localised or widespread flooding and mudslides

For further information, you should keep up to date with the Foreign Office before and during your holiday. You can find the latest Portugal travel advice here.