Ireland: Weather alerts issued as Hurricane Lorenzo tracks toward Ireland’s west coast October 2

Event

On Wednesday, October 2, the Irish Meteorological Service issued weather alerts ahead of the passage of Hurricane Lorenzo. An orange wind warning is in effect for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry, and Limerick counties from 18:00 (local time) on Thursday, October 3, to 03:00 on Friday, October 4. A yellow warning has been issued nationwide, effective from 09:00 on Thursday through Friday morning. On the current forecast track, Lorenzo is expected to move near Ireland Thursday evening, bringing disruptive winds, significant swell, and storm surges.

As of 13:00 on Wednesday, Lorenzo is located at approximately 43.0°N, 28.0°W (map here) with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph (85 mph). The hurricane is tracking northeast at 69 kph (43 mph) and is forecast to weaken considerably as it approaches Ireland's west coast. 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.