Newly released satellite imagery offers a striking view of Hurricane Lee, a colossal weather system menacing the East Coast. This behemoth of a storm, spanning a staggering 345 miles from its core, is currently classified as a Category 1 hurricane. Although its wind speed is noteworthy, meteorologists are primarily concerned about its immense size.
As Hurricane Lee makes its way northward, tracking a path that is expected to keep it just north of Bermuda and parallel to the Atlantic Coast, weather experts are issuing storm surge warnings for Long Island and New England. These warnings indicate potential surges ranging from one to three feet in affected areas. Moreover, the Massachusetts Cape is anticipating heavy rainfall beginning on Saturday, with the Weather Channel warning that massive waves might start crashing onto the East Coast as early as Friday. The National Hurricane Center’s Storm Surge Unit has cautioned about the possibility of coastal flooding, along with large and destructive waves.
Looking ahead, Hurricane Lee is projected to weaken and transition into a tropical storm by the time it makes landfall, which is anticipated to occur on Sunday in Canada or, possibly, the far eastern region of Maine. Consequently, a hurricane watch has been issued for areas stretching from Stonington, Maine, to Point Lepreau, New Brunswick, as well as from Digby to Medway Harbour, Nova Scotia, including Yarmouth. This watch signifies that hurricane conditions could manifest within 48 hours, according to the latest forecasts from The Weather Channel.
The coast of Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, has been placed under a tropical storm warning in anticipation of Lee’s arrival. Additionally, Bermuda is under a tropical storm warning, while in Canada, a tropical storm watch is in effect for much of the Maritimes, the country’s easternmost provinces. In response to the looming threat, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered the deployment of the National Guard to parts of coastal Long Island, and residents in coastal communities are taking precautionary measures.
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As the storm approaches New England, the region is bracing itself for flash floods and the possibility of tornadoes. Hurricane Lee is expected to unleash a barrage of storms, with the worst expected on Friday night and Saturday. This comes after days of extreme weather that brought torrential rain, flooding, and even sinkholes to some areas. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has activated the state’s emergency operations center, emphasizing the importance of staying informed through frequent updates. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has declared a state of emergency following catastrophic flash flooding and property damage, urging residents to heed flood warnings and avoid unnecessary travel.
The havoc wreaked by Hurricane Lee has already resulted in several sinkholes in Leominster, Massachusetts, including one that engulfed multiple vehicles at a dealership. In Providence, Rhode Island, heavy downpours led to flooding in a parking lot and parts of a shopping mall. Firefighters had to employ inflatable boats to rescue more than two dozen people stranded in their vehicles. Danbury, Connecticut, also reported the need for multiple water rescues for people stuck in floodwaters.
While the storm’s path is not currently projected to bring it directly to the New York area, the potential for beach erosion along the shoreline remains a concern. As Hurricane Lee’s impact continues to unfold, residents along the East Coast are staying vigilant and prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.
