Severe storm hits Azores, causing major floods

A low pressure area moved over the Azores on June 16, 2019, dropping heavy rain on the Portuguese archipelago and causing major floods.

The head of the Civil Protection of the Azores, Carlos Neves, said islands took heavy damage due to bad weather, with the island of Terceira the most affected. Most of the damage occurred in Angra do Heroismo county, followed by Praia da Vitoria.

The storm uprooted trees, flooded roads and homes, and caused evacuations.

Although the weather has improved on June 17, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere maintains Yellow warning for wind and rain for the central and eastern groups of islands.

The low pressure system is now moving toward France, raising the threat of yet another wave of severe thunderstorms. 

Featured image credit: NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP/VIIRS