Hurricane Lee Approaches New England, Residents Urged to Prepare for Impact
As Hurricane Lee continues its steady approach towards New England, coastal residents are being urged to prepare for the potential impacts of the colossal storm. Hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued for much of the New England coastline, with the storm expected to bring high winds and heavy rainfall to the region.
The National Hurricane Center has warned that Hurricane Lee’s winds could begin to buffet portions of New England as early as Friday. The storm’s center is predicted to pass close to the southeast of the region before barreling towards Maine and Atlantic Canada over the weekend. Forecasters have described Lee as a “large and dangerous cyclone,” though it is expected to weaken as it approaches.
Despite the anticipated weakening of the storm, Lee is still expected to have a massive radius of damaging winds that will significantly impact coastal areas of New England and Atlantic Canada. The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane watches for eastern Maine, as well as parts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Additionally, a storm surge watch has been issued for southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and Nantucket.
A tropical storm watch has also been issued for large swaths of coastal New England, including popular tourist destinations Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Even if Lee does not make landfall, its expansive wind field means that the exact location of the storm’s center will have little significance on its overall impact.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Lee’s wind field has been growing larger. NOAA Lieutenant Commander Josh Rannenberg, who flew through the storm’s eye on Wednesday, noted that a storm of this size can cause more widespread damage.
In addition to powerful winds, heavy rainfall is also a concern, particularly in the already rain-soaked Northeast. Parts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire have experienced rainfall levels over 300% above normal in the past two weeks, leading to dangerous flooding in some areas. Saturated ground coupled with the potential for flash flooding could further exacerbate the situation.
The softened soil, combined with the anticipated strong winds, also increases the likelihood of downed trees. This in turn could cause power outages across the region as essential power lines are knocked out.
With Hurricane Lee’s arrival imminent, residents are being advised to take necessary precautions and to stay updated on the storm’s progress. Preparedness measures such as securing loose outdoor items, stocking up on emergency supplies, and having an evacuation plan in place are crucial during this time.