Record setting Lorenzo lashes Azores, heads for Ireland next
Lorenzo is the largest storm to have made it so far east in the north Atlantic with continued impact expected in the days to come in Ireland.
The 12th named storm and the fifth hurricane of the season, the now post-tropical cylone Lorenzo has been spinning in the Atlantic Ocean for weeks -- and it has quite the intriguing history.
THIS STORM HAS BEEN SPINNING FOR WEEKS
It began as an easterly wave off the west coast of Africa back on September 22 and quickly intesified to a Category 4 hurricane by September 26. After completing an eyewall replacement cycle, Lorenzo rapidly re-strengthened, peaking at Category 5 intensity in the Atlantic Basin with no threat to land, until now.
ITS STRENGTH AND SIZE: 5 ASTOUNDING FACTS ABOUT LORENZO
Lorenzo is the largest recorded storm to have made it so far east in the north Atlantic
The wind field is approximately five times the size of an average hurricane, with hurricane force winds that reach 250 km out from the centre of the storm
Waves of up to 25 metres (82 feet) have been recorded in far east Atlantic
Lorenzo reached Category 5 status in late September making it the second Category 5 of the season
The storm has been spinning for 11 days and still is swirling in a northeast direction
LORENZO HITS PORTUGAL'S AZORES ISLANDS, HEADS TO IRELAND NEXT
Lorenzo reached Portugal's Azores islands as a Category 1 hurricane early Wednesday with winds of 160 km/h. The storm knocked down trees and cut power across the mid-Atlantic archipelago, authorities said.
Despite weakening to a post-tropical storm, Lorenzo threatens parts of Ireland and England as a strong extra-tropical cyclone with the risk for powerful winds, large swells and potential flooding through Friday.
