Post-tropical Depression Hanna weakens but continues to affect Azores with rain warnings
The post-tropical depression Hanna has lost intensity but continues to disrupt weather conditions across the Açores this Saturday, with the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) maintaining precipitation warnings for several island groups.
Warnings in effect across the archipelago
The IPMA has issued different alert levels depending on the island group:
• Grupo Oriental (São Miguel and Santa Maria): Under an orange warning for precipitation until the early hours of Saturday morning. From 09:00 UTC onwards, the alert downgraded to yellow and remains in effect until 18:00 UTC.
• Grupo Central (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial): These islands remain under a yellow warning for precipitation until 09:00 UTC this Saturday. They had previously been under an orange alert until 15:00 on Friday.
• Grupo Ocidental (Flores and Corvo): Warnings appear to have been lifted by early Saturday, returning to green status after being under orange alert until Friday afternoon.
The meteorological warnings range from yellow, the lowest level, to orange, which indicates moderate risk, and red, the highest level.
What residents can expect
According to the IPMA, despite its weakening, Hanna will continue to affect all nine islands of the archipelago. Weather conditions include sometimes heavy precipitation, which may be accompanied by thunderstorms.
For Ponta Delgada specifically, the forecast for Saturday indicates periods of light rain during the day and mostly cloudy skies at night.
The weather authority has recommended that residents monitor the evolution of the situation through official channels and follow guidance from Civil Protection authorities.
Current travel and service impacts
Ferry services between São Miguel and Santa Maria have been suspended until further notice due to rough seas and high winds. Flights to and from Graciosa Airport are experiencing delays, with several cancellations reported as of Saturday morning. Residents are advised to check with SATA Air Açores and Atlanticoline for real-time updates.
How this compares to past storms
Post-tropical depressions and cyclonic systems have caused significant damage in the Açores over the past decade. In 2019, Hurricane Lorenzo — considered potentially the strongest in 20 years — caused extensive damage with more than 250 recorded incidents and the relocation of 53 people.
Cyclones affect the Açores approximately once every few years. Due to the archipelago's location and cooler sea surface temperatures, these systems typically weaken as they approach. However, even when weakened, they can still bring heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds.
Practical guidance for residents
The IPMA advises that residents in affected areas should:
• Avoid non-essential travel during periods of heavy rain
• Clear drainage systems around properties to prevent flooding
• Stay informed through official meteorological updates
• Follow instructions from local Civil Protection services
• Check ferry and flight statuses before travelling
The depression, located approximately 1,010 kilometres southwest of the archipelago as of Friday morning, is expected to gradually lose influence throughout Saturday as it moves away from Portuguese waters.
