Portugal: Hurricane Lorenzo to hit Azores islands October 1-2 /update 2

Event

Hurricane Lorenzo is expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, heavy rains, and damaging winds to the Azores islands from the night (local time) of Tuesday, October 1, through Wednesday, October 2, as it moves through the region. Hurricane Warnings are in effect for Flores, Corvo, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, Terceira, and Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for São Miguel and Santa Maria. Waves of up to 22 m (72 ft) and wind gusts of 200 kph (124 mph) are expected to impact some islands during the night. Local authorities have ordered schools and government offices to close on Wednesday as a precaution, and emergency services are on stand-by to assist in recovery efforts. Significant damage to infrastructure and buildings is possible, along with flash flooding.

As of 20:00 on Tuesday, Lorenzo is located at approximately 37.8°N 34.3°W (map here) with maximum sustained winds of 155 kph (100 mph). The hurricane is tracking northeast at 52 kph (32 mph) and the center of the storm is expected to pass by the western 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.