Hurricane Lorenzo tracker: Hurricane Lorenzo is continuing to track across the Atlantic

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Atlantic hurricane season is continuing to deliver powerful hurricanes, with hurricane Lorenzo the third major hurricane to exceed category three status so far. Lorenzo has been recorded as a category four hurricane, almost reaching category five status with wind speeds of 155mph at its peak. This has made the dangerous cyclone the strongest hurricane ever to be recorded in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean.

On Thursday, NHC forecaster Eric Blake tweeted to say Lorenzo’s size resembled that of a super typhoon in the western Pacific Ocean more than an eastern Atlantic hurricane. According to the National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) latest update at 8am AST (1pm BST) Lorenzo was located approximately 55 miles southwest of Flores in the Western Azores. Maximum sustained wind speeds were recorded as being 100mph with higher gusts, making it a category two hurricane. The NHC warns: "Lorenzo is a very large tropical cyclone. Read More: Hurricane Lorenzo satellite images: Horrifying eye of monster storm

Hurricane Lorenzo tracker: Lorenzo is still a very powerful hurricane

"Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 345 miles. Currently, there is a Hurricane Warning in effect for Flores, Corvo, Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, Terceira and a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Sao Miguel and Santa Maria. Lorenzo is tracking northeast near 22 mph, and is forecast to move in the same general direction but at a faster forward speed during the next few days. On the forecast track, the center of Lorenzo is expected to pass near the western Azores early on Wednesday. Read More: Hurricane Lorenzo NHC track latest: Hurricane Lorenzo to hit IRELAND

Hurricane Lorenzo tracker: Slow weakening is forecast as Lorenzo heads to the Azores

Areas of the Azores are expected to feel hurricane-force winds on Wednesday. Slow weakening is forecast over the next few days. “These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.” The area of winds around Lorenzo is expected to remain large, and the hurricane-force radius is predicted to grow over the next few days. Read More: Hurricane Lorenzo path: NOAA warning as storm churns across Atlantic

Hurricane Lorenzo tracker: The British Isles may feel the impact of winds late next week

Hurricane Lorenzo tracker: Spaghetti models show the hurricane tracking across the Atlantic

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said: “Lorenzo may eventually be a threat to the Azores later next week.” Accuweather also reports after passing the Azores, Lorenzo will then move towards Europe and could impact the UK and Ireland. Spaghetti models demonstrate the potential move across the Atlantic, where Lorenzo could cause strong winds and rough surf for Europe. This hurricane season across the Atlantic and Eastern bases as been one of the most active - generating 15 named storms since August 21.

Hurricane Lorenzo tracker: Projected track of the hurricane