The storm was located around 620 kilometres southwest of the Portuguese archipelago early on Monday, with sustained winds reaching approximately 110 km/h.

Fay is now close to hurricane strength after intensifying rapidly over the weekend. However, the latest forecast indicates that the storm should begin to weaken rather than develop into a hurricane.

No coastal warnings or watches have been issued for the Azores.

The weather system was initially classified as Tropical Depression Six before strengthening into a named tropical storm on Sunday. It was moving north-northeast through the Atlantic, but its forecast path keeps the centre of the storm away from the islands.

The IPMA had previously warned that its outer effects could bring rain and possible thunderstorms to Flores and Corvo, the two islands in the Western Group located closest to the storm.

However, the system is not expected to cross the archipelago directly. The remaining islands should feel considerably less impact, while mainland Portugal is not expected to be affected.

Fay is forecast to lose strength gradually and could dissipate by the end of the week.