Main Alert: A Strong Storm is Approaching
The most important news today is a weather warning from meteorologists about a significant deterioration in conditions, expected to hit with full force tomorrow, Friday, January 30th. Strong winds and, most notably, very high waves are anticipated.
- Who is affected? Travelers to the island of Porto Santo, tourists on the north coast, and essentially anyone planning activities by the sea.
- What does this mean in practice? Waves of up to 12 meters are expected on the island of Porto Santo. This almost certainly means the cancellation of tomorrow’s Lobo Marinho ferry service. It will be dangerous to be on piers, beaches, and coastal promenades, especially on the north side of the island.
- What do we recommend? If you are on Porto Santo and need to get back to Madeira, try to find a connection today. For tomorrow, plan activities inland or in the cities, far from the coast.
Hiking Trails (Levadas and Veredas): Safety First
The expected strong winds and rain will significantly affect conditions on hiking trails. Your safety must be the top priority.
- Who is affected? All hikers, from families with children to experienced trekkers.
- What does this mean in practice? Ridge traverses (like the PR1 route from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo) and trails along coastal cliffs (such as PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço) will be particularly risky. The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) will likely close many of these routes as a precaution.
- What do we recommend? Before any hike, you must check the current status of the trails on the official IFCN website or in the WalkMe app. It is best to avoid planning hikes in the mountains or along the coast for tomorrow. If you encounter red tape on a trail, do not proceed under any circumstances.
Situation in Funchal and Transportation
Several incidents have also occurred in the capital city that may affect your plans.
Fire at a Restaurant in the Old Town (Zona Velha)
Last night, a fire broke out in a restaurant in Funchal’s historic center. The response from firefighters and the ongoing investigation may cause local closures.
- Who is affected? Visitors to central Funchal who are planning to have dinner in the popular Zona Velha district.
- What does this mean in practice? Part of the street may be temporarily closed off with police tape.
- What do we recommend? If you have a reservation, we recommend calling ahead to confirm that the restaurant is operating as usual.
Road Safety
Yesterday’s serious accident involving a bus and a motorcycle is a reminder that Madeira’s roads require your full attention.
- Who is affected? Especially for drivers who have rented a scooter or motorcycle.
- What does this mean in practice? The roads are often narrow, steep, and full of sharp turns. Large buses need a lot of space on bends.
- What do we recommend? Drive with extreme caution, anticipate other drivers’ actions, and maintain a safe distance, especially from heavy vehicles.