ATC asking for intentions means basically do you want diversion to Porto Santo ( the most likely option ) or return to mainland. . .The " official " wind that will be taken in case on an incident or accident will likely be that of the Meteorological anemomenters ( the ones used for the METRAR). . .The TWR ones) are only an immediate indication.. .I doubt very much that TWR ATC in FNC downgrade the wind to allow operations. If there is more than 15 KTS they will tell you, I can assure you.. .. .The Marinair DC10 FARO crash is still in the mind on many Portuguese controllers .. .( Incidentally that day all TAP and Portugalia flights diverted to Sevilla , only some of the charters tried despite the wind, but after the crash the Dutch authorities tried to blame ATC )