• Pico volcano system raised to V1 alert after increased seismicity in Faial–Pico channel, Portugal

    Authorities raised the volcanic alert level to V1 in the Faial–Pico channel, Azores, Portugal, on April 9, 2026, following low-magnitude seismic activity that began on April 1. The earthquakes occurred along a NE–SW trend west of Madalena to north of Lagido, spanning depths from 20 km (12 miles) to near the surface. The last known eruption at this volcano took place in 1720, with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.

  • Hurricane Gabrielle forecast to approach Azores on Thursday, September 25

    A Hurricane Watch was issued for all islands of the Azores at 11:00 AST (15:00 UTC) on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, as Category 4 Hurricane Gabrielle moves east-northeastward over the North Atlantic. The system is forecast to approach the archipelago late Thursday, bringing the risk of hurricane-force winds, storm surge, and 75–125 mm (3–5 inches) of rainfall to the central and western islands. Swells are already affecting Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast, and Atlantic Canada.

  • Subtropical Storm “Patty” impacting the Azores

    Subtropical Storm “Patty” formed over the northern Atlantic at 09:00 UTC on Saturday, November 2, 2024, prompting the Azores Meteorological Service to issue Tropical Storm Warnings for all islands of the Azores at 12:05 UTC.

  • Increased seismicity at Santa Barbara volcano, alert level raised to V3, Azores

    On June 26, 2024, the Institute of Volcanology of the University of the Azores (IVAR) increased the volcanic alert level for the Santa Barbara volcano on Terceira Island to V3, and the Third Fissural Volcanic System to V1, on a scale ranging from V0 (green, normal) to V6 (red, erupting), due to seismic crisis that has been affecting the western part of the island since June 24, 2022, which continues to increase.

  • Seismovolcanic crisis continues at São Jorge Island, Azores – 33 000 earthquakes in 2 months

    The seismovolcanic crisis at the Manadas volcanic fissure system in the NW part of São Jorge Island, Azores has entered its third month. A notable change in seismicity was reported on April 6, when volcano-tectonic earthquakes were detected, suggesting the movement of magma at depth. The last confirmed eruption of this volcano took place in 1808 (VEI 1). 

  • Magma movement detected under São Jorge, Azores

    The seismovolcanic crisis at Manadas volcanic fissure system on the island of  São Jorge, Azores, Portugal continues since March 19, 2022. A notable change was reported on April 6, when volcano-tectonic earthquakes were detected, suggesting the movement of magma at depth. The volcanic alert remains at Level 4 of 6. The last eruption of this volcano took place in 1808 (VEI 1).

  • Intense earthquake swarm continues at São Jorge, Azores

    Seismic activity at Manadas volcanic fissure system in the NW part of São Jorge Island, Azores, Portugal continues at a high level for the fourth day in a row. The Civil Protection of Azores is preparing preventive measures in case of a strong earthquake or…

  • Intense earthquake swarm under São Jorge volcano, Azores

    An intense earthquake swarm is shaking the Manadas volcanic fissure system in the NW part of the Sao Jorge Island (population 8 200), Azores, Portugal. The last eruption of this volcano took place in 1808. According to the Center for Seismovolcanic Information and…