Portugal sees worst tropical storm in more than 170 years

Hurricane Leslie has slammed into western Portugal, packing winds of around 160 kilometres per hour.

It is the worst tropical storm in the country since 1842, and made landfall north of the capital Lisbon.

WOW... Large waves in Madeira reported yesterday evening during the passing of #HurricaneLeslie thanks to @daryna_skryl #Leslie #extremeweather pic.twitter.com/8WkoVXaqgM

— WEATHER/ METEO WORLD (@StormchaserUKEU) October 14, 2018

More than 15,000 homes are without power, and it is feared rain could trigger flash floods.

There have been no reports of deaths or injuries as yet.

#HurricaneLeslie, one of the most powerful to ever hit #Portugal, sweeps into the central and northern areas of the country, bringing down hundreds of trees and causing a number of flights being canceled pic.twitter.com/HQ4g0GuADl

— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) October 14, 2018