03 Nov 2024 | 10:02 AM UTC
Portugal: Subtropical Storm Patty tracking eastward over the eastern Azores as of Nov. 3 /update 2
Subtropical Storm Patty tracking eastward over the eastern Azores, Portugal, Nov. 3. Forecast to move over Sao Miguel Island imminently.
Subtropical Storm Patty is tracking eastward over the eastern Azores, Portugal, Nov. 3. As of 09:00 GMT, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 140 km (85 miles) southeast of Lajes in the Azores.
Forecast models indicate that the system will track east-southeastward over the northern shore of Sao Miguel Island over the coming hours. The system is expected to weaken and lose its subtropical characteristics as it tracks eastward and then northeastward away from the Azores late Nov. 3-4. The post-tropical cyclone will continue to weaken as it tracks northeastward towards the coast of northwestern mainland Spain and northern Portugal Nov, 5. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of Nov. 3, officials are maintaining the following warnings in connection with Patty
Tropical Storm Warning: All of the Azores.
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued a special information bulletin regarding the storm system and is maintaining orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for the central and eastern Azores, yellow heavy rainfall warnings for the western Azores, and yellow strong wind warnings for the eastern Azores Nov. 3. Authorities may issue new warnings or update/rescind existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming hours and days.
Tropical storm conditions are expected in the Azores through Nov. 3. Patty is forecast to bring rainfall amounts of 2.5-5 cm (1-2 inches) with localized heavier amounts up to 10 cm (4 inches) across the Azores through early Nov. 4. Swells generated by Patty will affect the Azores through early Nov. 4; these swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.
Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at airports in the region and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect—and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed all evacuation orders. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the high potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and any necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
