[1] The system developed a low pressure area on September 23 after the northern portion of the wave broke off and crossed the Yucatán Peninsula.

[1][2] Initially, a Hurricane Hunters flight was scheduled to investigate the system, although the low became disorganized over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico due to high wind shear.

Based on that observation, along with sufficient persistence of the thunderstorms, the system developed into Tropical Depression Thirteen about 190 mi (305 km) east of Tampico, Tamaulipas.

As it approached the coast, Lorenzo rapidly intensified unexpectedly, and within 12 hours of attaining tropical storm status it strengthened into a hurricane.

[1] Hurricane Lorenzo quickly developed a closed eyewall, which was observed on radar and provided a peak intensity estimate of 80 mph (130 km/h) at 0000 UTC on September 28.

The cyclone maintained vigorous and symmetric convection across the center, although the structure deteriorated slightly before Lorenzo crossed the coast near Tecolutla, Veracruz at 0500 UTC that day, with winds estimated around 75 mph (120 km/h).

[1] About 26 hours before landfall, the Mexican government issued a tropical storm watch from Palma Sola to La Cruz in Veracruz.

[12] Lorenzo's formation caused gas prices to rise due to its potential to disrupt oil facilities in the Gulf of Mexico.

The hurricane primarily affected small fishing villages along the coast, where strong winds knocked down power lines,[14] leaving about 85,000 people without electricity.

[1] In addition to the high winds, Lorenzo dropped heavy rainfall along the coast and further inland, peaking at 12.83 in (326 mm) in El Raudal, Veracruz.

[11] The combination of winds and rains damaged 169 houses in Puebla, while in Hidalgo, the San Lorenzo River overflowed its banks and forced the evacuation of over 200 people.