Portugal: Hurricane Lorenzo to affect Azores islands October 1-2

Event

Hurricane Lorenzo, a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, could affect the Azores islands by Tuesday, October 1, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). As of 11:00 (local time) on Friday, September 27, Lorenzo is located at approximately 19.4°N, 42.9°W (map here) with maximum sustained winds of 220 kph (140 mph). The storm is tracking north-northwest at 22 kph (14 mph); a turn toward the north is expected Friday evening or on Saturday, September 28, followed by a turn toward the north-northeast on Sunday, September 29.

Tropical-storm-force winds could arrive by Tuesday with the storm center arriving early on Wednesday, October 2. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) forecasts that the western islands of Flores and Corvo and central islands of Terceira, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, and Graciosa will be most affected.

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.