As it swept across the remote islands in the North Atlantic Ocean overnight, the Category 1 hurricane was downgraded to a post-tropical storm, the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) said.

No injuries have been reported so far, according to the regional civil protection agency, which recorded nearly 200 cases of collapsed structures, roof damage, and fallen trees.

Sixteen people had to be relocated on the central islands of Terceira, Sao Jorge, Pico, Faial, and Graciosa, which were hit by strong winds and heavy rainfall.

The strongest winds were recorded on Faial Island, reaching up to 154 kilometres (96 miles) per hour, IPMA reported.

According to forecasts from the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC), Gabrielle is expected to continue its path eastwards before reaching the Portuguese mainland on Sunday.