The Christmas tree decoration placed on Avenida Infante D. Henrique in front of Gonçalo Velho square was destroyed by the strong winds that reigned over Ponta Delgada. The incident did not result in personal or material damage, except for the steps of the access stairs to the Portas do Mar area", on the margin of the city of Ponta Delgada, the municipality said today.

The tree decoration in question was 17 metres long and this is the third year that that structure has been assembled in the same place, as an integral part of the Christmas decorations of Ponta Delgada. The Municipality of Ponta Delgada states that "the structure was removed from the site until the weather conditions allow its replacement safely", adding that "the Municipality immediately requested reports of the incident to the responsible company and civil protection services".

The Institute Portuguese Of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) issued yellow and orange warnings for seven of the nine islands of the Azores, due to forecasts of increased wind intensity and maritime unrest. An orange warning was active until 3pm yesterday on the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria (eastern group) due to maritime unrest. St. Michael and Santa Maria are now under yellow weather warning until midnight on Monday, because of wind and maritime unrest with waves that could be between six and seven meters.

The islands of the central group (Terceira, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa and Faial) are also under yellow warning due to the forecasts of maritime unrest, with waves from the north, up to six to seven meters until 20:00 today.