Tropical Storm Lorenzo was churning over the Central Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Lorenzo was located at latitude 18.7°N and longitude 45.5°W which put the center about 1430 miles (2300 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands. Lorenzo was moving toward the northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.
After strengthening on Monday night, Tropical Storm Lorenzo weakened on Tuesday. An upper level low east of the Lesser Antilles was producing southerly winds that were blowing toward the top of Lorenzo’s circulation. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear. Lorenzo also moved into a region of drier air on Tuesday. The strong vertical wind shear and drier air caused many of the thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Lorenzo to dissipate. Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the southeastern part of Lorenzo’s circulation. Bands in the other parts of Tropical Storm Lorenzo consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.
The strongest winds were occurring in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Lorenzo. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the eastern half of Lorenzo’s circulation. The winds in the western half of Tropical Storm Lorenzo were blowing at less than tropical storm force.
Tropical Storm Lorenzo will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Lorenzo will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C. However, the upper level low east of the Lesser Antilles will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. Lorenzo will also continue to move through the region of drier air. The strong vertical wind shear and drier will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Lorenzo could weaken to a tropical depression on Wednesday.
Tropical Storm Lorenzo will move around the western end of a high pressure system that is over the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Lorenzo toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Lorenzo will remain out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean during the next few days.
