The hurricane is currently moving north at around 20km/h, and was expected to slow down today, becoming a tropical storm. Nonetheless Helene is bringing with her very strong wind with gusts up to 120km/h, heavy rain and waves of between 6 and 8m high on some islands.

According to the IPMA's forecast, it is likely that the western islands [Flores and Corvo] should begin to feel the effects of the storm from Saturday afternoon”.

The Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute said “very strong wind from the south with gusts up to 120km/h, heavy rain and waves from the south between 6 and 8m high are expected from Thursday afternoon to Sunday” in Flores and Corvo islands.

For the central islands – Faial, Pico, Terceira, Graciosa and Sao Jorge – strong wind from the south is expected with gusts up to 80km/h and periods of heavy rain, while the eastern islands – Sao Miguel and Santa Maria – may experience moderate to weak wind from the south with gusts up to 50km/h and periods of heavy rain.