LAST UPDATE | 29 Sep 2019

MET ÉIREANN HAS said it is “closely monitoring” category five Hurricane Lorenzo as it moves across the Atlantic Ocean. 

The forecaster has said there remains “a great deal of uncertainty” on whether the hurricane will impact Ireland. According to the US National Hurricane Centre, Lorenzo has strengthened to a category 5 hurricane with maximum winds of 250km/h.

Hurricane Lorenzo is currently approaching the Azores Islands in the mid-Atlantic.

In the coming days it is expected to gradually track northeastwards in the direction of Ireland and lose its major status.

Here are the 5 am AST Key Messages for Hurricane #Lorenzo. pic.twitter.com/wW05AN0rcu

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 29, 2019

“However, the exact track and the severity of the system once it comes closer to land is still uncertain,” Met Éireann has said. 

In its latest commentary, Met Éireann said: “On the forecast track, Lorenzo is expected to move near or just west of the Azores late Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Thereafter, the exact track and the intensity of Lorenzo as it transitions to an extratropical low is still very uncertain.

“However, one possibility is that it will track northeastwards towards Europe.

“Met Éireann, the UK Met Office and the US National Hurricane Centre (NOAA) are holding daily conference discussions.

“The progress of Lorenzo and any potential impacts for Ireland are being closely monitored.”

Status Yellow

With reporting by Hayley Halpin