Storm “Regina” Impacts Madeira
The weather on the island today is dictated by the low-pressure system “Regina”, which brings strong winds, heavy rain, and even snow or hail at the highest altitudes. This is having a major impact on transportation, tourist activities, and overall safety. We strongly advise exercising extreme caution and adjusting your plans according to the current conditions.
✈️ Madeira Airport: Delays and Cancellations
Strong winds are once again complicating operations at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC). Following dozens of cancellations yesterday, the problems are continuing today.
- Who is affected: All passengers arriving in or departing from Madeira today.
- What this means in practice: Expect significant delays, diversions to other islands (Porto Santo, Canary Islands), or outright cancellation of your flight. For example, TAP has already preemptively cancelled 16 flights.
- What we recommend: Continuously monitor your flight status on the airport website or with your airline. Stay in contact with your airline and be prepared for long waits.
🥾 Mountain Trails and Levadas: Most Major Trails Are CLOSED
The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) has closed most of the most popular mountain trails in the central massif for safety reasons.
- Who is affected: All hikers who were planning a trip to the mountains.
- What this means in practice: The following key trails are officially inaccessible today:
- ❌ PR1 Vereda do Areeiro (the path between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo)
- ❌ PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo (the ascent from Achada do Teixeira)
- ❌ PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada
The reasons for closure are the risk of falling rocks, landslides, and extreme weather conditions.
- What we recommend: Do not enter the closed trails under any circumstances. Respect all official warnings. Today is not a suitable day for mountain hiking.
🚗 Island Transportation: Snow on Paul da Serra and Traffic Jams
The adverse weather is also complicating travel by car. Expect problems, especially at higher altitudes and around Funchal.
- Who is affected: Drivers and anyone traveling around the island by car.
- What this means in practice:
- Paul da Serra: The plateau is covered with a layer of hail or snow. Roads like the ER209 are very slippery and dangerous.
- Funchal and surrounding areas: Traffic jams are forming on the VR1 expressway and adjacent areas due to accidents. Expect delays.
- What we recommend: If possible, avoid driving to mountain areas above 1000m today, especially Paul da Serra. Allow extra travel time if you are heading to the airport.
💡 Tips for Safe Activities: What to Do When the Weather is Bad
Even in bad weather, Madeira offers plenty of options. Instead of dangerous mountain trips, consider alternatives in the sheltered areas of Funchal.
- Cultural Experience: Don’t miss the unique “Pianocean” project concert. Pianist Marieke Huysmans-Berthou will be playing tonight at 7:00 PM directly from the deck of her sailboat in the Funchal marina.
- City Activities: Spend the day visiting museums (CR7 Museum, Madeira Story Centre), the Mercado dos Lavradores market, or enjoying a Madeira wine tasting at Blandy’s Wine Lodge.
- Coastal Caution: Avoid piers and promenades close to the sea due to the danger of large waves. Whale watching boat trips will likely be cancelled.