British authorities have issued an urgent alert for travellers as Hurricane Gabrielle approaches the Portuguese-owned Azores archipelago with potentially devastating winds.

The tropical storm is forecast to strike the islands this afternoon, bringing hurricane-strength gales and the risk of severe coastal inundation.

Officials warn that the powerful weather system could cause significant disruption to transport and essential services across the affected areas.

The storm's arrival coincides with heightened safety concerns for British tourists throughout Portugal, where multiple hazards currently pose risks to visitors.

The storm's path and strength remain unpredictable, with authorities urging visitors to track its progress through official meteorological services.

Those with travel plans have been told to contact their tour operators and airlines immediately to check for cancellations or delays.

Local officials have advised residents and tourists to follow emergency instructions as the hurricane approaches.

The monstrous Category 4 Hurricane Gabrielle will weaken before potentially arriving in the UK.

British authorities have issued an urgent alert for travellers in Portugal as Hurricane Gabrielle approaches Portugal

Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services, said: “Gabrielle is likely to be followed as the Atlantic finally wakes after an unusually quiet period.

“After Gabrielle, there may well be another one, and that will stir things up as we go through October.

“We are probably going to start to see more activity in the Atlantic, in terms of tropical storms and hurricanes, and this could, in the next few weeks, bring the first named storm of the year to the UK.”

Beyond the immediate hurricane threat, Portugal faces elevated wildfire danger throughout its traditional fire season, which runs from April through October.

One WX Charts map prediction shows Gabrielle skimming the south of the UK and hitting southern Europe | WX CHARTS

A spokesman for the US National Hurricane Centre (NOAA) said: “Gabrielle is forecast to approach the Azores late on Thursday as a hurricane.

"A Hurricane Watch remains in effect for all of the islands of the Azores, and interests there should closely monitor Gabrielle's progress as hurricane conditions are possible later this week.”

Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said: "There is a lot of uncertainty that is thanks to an area of low pressure that is currently Hurricane Gabrielle, and it is probably going to track across the Bay of Biscay and could even be classed as a hurricane as it moves across the Azores.

"It is still tricky to forecast as the track of Gabrielle may change, but as this system is linked to a front moving across, and that means some areas in the west could see some more persistent downpours during Saturday. But if that system pushes eastwards, then eastern areas could pick up some rain. We are likely to see a slight change at the weekend."

The 15 new rules that could see Britons travelling to Albufeira fined up to £1,500 | FCDO

British tourists across mainland Portugal and its islands should remain vigilant about multiple safety risks during their stays, according to Government advice.

The Portuguese authorities maintain that terrorism cannot be discounted as a potential threat to visitors.

Political demonstrations and industrial action occur regularly in urban areas, with strikes sometimes announced at the last minute, potentially affecting airport operations and other transport services.

Petty crime remains a persistent concern in major tourist destinations, with thieves targeting foreign-registered vehicles and holiday rentals.

Criminals often employ distraction methods to steal from unsuspecting tourists, particularly on public transport and at crowded stations.

The Algarve region faces additional environmental hazards, including cliff erosion that poses dangers to beachgoers who ignore posted warnings about unstable rock formations.

Albufeira has introduced a Code of Conduct which bans inappropriate behaviour in public places.

Brits who break the rules could be fined on the spot up to £1,500.