Madeira is under orange alert until tomorrow as wind is very strong with gusts over 130 KM/H, specially on higher altitudes. Sea is also very rough with waves about 6 meters high. After lots of rain on the last couple of days which has got to 70 litres/square meter in only one night, there are many roads closed due to landfalls and Funchal harbour was closed today.

The stormy weather is still covering Madeira on its fluffy grey clouds. Today, 23rd of October 2006 it was the day that rained most during this year, it got to 100mm/h/m2, with the wind blowing up to 100km/h. All these factors together have originated some land falling and car accidents. The weather forecast says that this weather conditions will remain until Thursday.

Due to strong winds, rough sea and thunder storms in Madeira archipelago, the Maritime Authority advises all boats and navigation to return to a safe harbour until these weather conditions calm down.

Hunting season is open since the 1st of October in Madeira and Porto Santo islands. Hunters are allowed to kill rabbits, red-legged partridges, quails, rock doves and woodcocks, though the quantity of each species is limited per hunter/day in order to keep the sustainability of ecosystems. There are also some other restrictions like this year it is forbidden to hunt rabbits in Paul da Serra as the introduced disease myxomatosis's has killed many individuals.

So if you are going to hunt, be sure to get information about the allowed species, places and days where you may do it.

If you are visiting Madeira for walking or trekking along Madeira levadas or footpaths, try not to do it on Thursdays or Sundays as you may found several people hunting near you and it can get a bit dangerous for you.

This year by the 30th of November hunting season in Madeira will be finished.

The Hurricane, named Gordon, that passed last week in North America has crossed the Atlantic, lost some power in its trip and it is know a tropical storm. It has reached yesterday night the west islands of Azores archipelago and it is now towards Madeira.

By tonight Madeira islands will feel strong winds and some heavy rain due to the passage of 'Gordon'. There is no reason to be worried about though it is better not to go to high places as the wind may be too strong. The weather conditions will be insecure for the nexts couple of days.