Portugal: Hurricane and Tropical Storm watches issued for Azores islands due to Hurricane Lorenzo September 30 /update 1

Event

Local authorities issued Hurricane watches in Flores, Corvo, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, Terceira, as well as Tropical Storm watches in São Miguel and Santa Maria as of 06:00 (local time) on Monday, September 30, as Hurricane Lorenzo approaches the Azores islands. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) expects Lorenzo to bring strong winds, rain, and storm surge by Tuesday, October 1, through Wednesday, October 2. The NHC forecasts between 8-15 cm (3-6 in) of rainfall over western Azores and 2-5 cm (1-3 in) of rainfall over central Azores between Tuesday and Wednesday, and warns of the potential for life-threatening flash flooding.

As of 06:00 on Monday, Lorenzo is located at approximately 28.1°N 43.2°W (map here) with maximum sustained winds of 1750 kph (110 mph). The hurricane is tracking north-northeast at 2 kph (10 mph); a turn toward the northeast is expected by Monday afternoon, and the center of the hurricane is expected to pass near the Azores early on Wednesday. Associated power outages and disruptions to transportation and business services are possible in areas forecast to be affected by the system over the coming days. 

Advice

Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by the system are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.