Alex makes landfall, expected to weaken
Digital Reporter
Thursday, January 14, 2016, 4:15 PM -
Alex made landfall in The Azores early Friday as a tropical storm and one of the earliest to form in January since 1938.
It has since weakened to a extratropical storm.
There are no watches or warnings in effect and little chance in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours as the storm loses its tropical characteristics, according to the National Weather Service.
#Alex made landfall on Terceira Island at 9:15am AST this morning. Winds were sustained at 70 mph. pic.twitter.com/4Ffu2q6dUe
— Weather Network US (@TheWeatherNetUS) January 15, 2016
Tropical force winds were reported in parts of The Azores Friday. Santa Maria saw gusts over 80 km/h, causing trees to topple and briefly cutting the power in some villages.
There have been no reports of any fatalities. Schools and administrative buildings were closed in anticipation of Alex.
Residents say the event was no different than any other bad day of winter weather and not nearly as wicked as the storm that hit The Azores in December that killed one man.
The official hurricane season is June 1 – November 30. However, storms have on occasion formed before and after that time frame.
Source: Reuters
