on september 12, the entrainment of drier air weakened florence to tropical storm status. at the same time, its motion became nearly stationary as a ridge to its southeast weakened steering currents. an eye developed in the center of the cyclone, and florence again attained hurricane status late on september 12. cooler water temperatures caused the hurricane to again weaken to tropical storm status on september 13. the next day, increased vertical wind shear accelerated the weakening, leaving its cloud pattern disorganized. an approaching short-wave trough turned florence to the east-southeast and later to the east-northeast as its forward motion increased. convection increased near the center as the overall structure improved. based on reports from the hurricane hunters, florence was upgraded to hurricane status on september 16 about 200 mi(320 km) southwest of bermuda. later that day, the hurricane passed about 75 mi (120 km) northwest of bermuda, its closest approach. late on september 16, florence reached peak winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) as an eyewall became apparent. cooler waters weakened the hurricane to tropical storm status by september 17 as its motion accelerated further due to the approaching trough. later that day, florence was absorbed by the extratropical storm associated with the trough about 80 mi (130 km) south of cape race on the island of newfoundland.