The archipelago’s central islands will suffer the brunt of the rare phenomenon, for which a red weather warning has been issued.

Schools, courts and ports are closed today, flights have been suspended and the population has been advised to stay at home until the hurricane has passed.

Heavy rain, winds of up to 160km/h and waves of up to 18 metres were forecast to hit the region in what is the first category one hurricane to pass through the area at this time of year since 1938.

The most critical period was designated as between 8am and 11am this morning.

Only emergency services will be working today and the regional government has said it has taken all measures possible to ensure the safety of the population.

By lunchtime a number of landslides and overflowing rivers had been registered in the region, but had been quickly resolved.


Latest reports state the storm has lost some of its force before landing on the Azores.