Storm Oscar. which was named by the Spanish Met Service this week, has brought heavy rain and strong winds to Madeira before moving north and affecting the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal.

Published 12 months ago

Source:  Ocean Cruising Club

OCC Port Officer for Gran Canaria and General Committee member, Agustin Martin, has reported that the record rainfall from Storm Oscar has brought rocks, silt and debris to the entrance of the marina in Funchal, Madeira, and blocked entry to and exit from the marina. The rescue RIB attempted exit and even they could not make it through.

Record rainfall carried debris in the streams flowing off the island into the mouth of the marina which is now blocked. No one can enter or leave the marina in Funchal.

Agustin and his crew departed from the Canaries bound for the Azores, but diverted to Madeira when a low formed off the Azores blocking their route with heavy rain, strong wind, and 2.5 metre seas. They made it safely into Funchal when a new low formed. The second low turned into Storm Oscar which has passed over the Canary Islands and onto the Iberian peninsula.

Agustin was told that it would be ten days or longer before access to the marina is restored. In the meantime, another low is forming and is expected to follow the same pattern as the previous two.

Storm Oscar has caused a considerable degree of havoc in Madeira, the Azores and the Canaries, but no injuries to people.

A rare cyclonic system, probably unprecedented for this time of year, it formed in the Atlantic between the Canary Islands and the Azores, producing over 611mm of rain in less than 24 hours in Madeira. This is an all-time record value for Portugal, smashing the previous record of 346mm in 24 hours from April 2008.

Daria Blackwell
Ocean Cruising Club

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Related News:

• Spain and Portugal weather warning as Storm Oscar hits popular holiday destinations (Euronews)
• Storm Oscar to Affect Ireland’s Weather (Irish Mirror)
• What is Storm Oscar (Evening Standard)

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Related Links:

• Ocean Cruising Club

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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising Club.

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