**Title: Hurricane Lee Strengthens to Category 1, Threatens New England Coast**
**Subtitle: New England Prepares for Potential Impacts from Hurricane Lee this Weekend**
*Published: September 15, 2023*
Hurricane Lee has intensified rapidly over the Atlantic Ocean and is now a Category 1 storm, posing a significant threat to the New England coast. The storm is expected to bring hazardous conditions, including surf and rip currents, along the western Atlantic for the entire week. Watches and warnings have been issued for coastal areas of Massachusetts and Maine.
As of Friday, 5 a.m. EDT, Hurricane Lee had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and was located approximately 215 miles northwest of Bermuda and 490 miles south-southeast of Nantucket, Massachusetts. The storm is moving north at 16 mph, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 105 miles from its center.
The National Hurricane Center predicts that Lee will approach the coast of New England and Atlantic Canada today and Saturday. The storm is then expected to turn towards the north-northeast and northeast, eventually moving across Atlantic Canada Saturday night and Sunday. Lee is likely to become post-tropical and weaken by Saturday, but it remains a large and dangerous storm that could cause significant impacts.
A hurricane watch is now in effect from Petit Manan Point, Maine, to the U.S./Canada border and into Canada. Additionally, a tropical storm warning has been issued for Bermuda, Westport, Mass., Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.
While Massachusetts may not experience a direct landfall from Hurricane Lee, coastal areas will still be affected. Weather experts advise residents of the Cape and Maine to closely monitor the storm’s progress as they are within its cone. The intensity of the impacts will depend on the storm’s exact positioning, with stronger winds, heavier rain, larger swells, and coastal flooding possible if it moves closer to the coast.
According to CBS Boston, the first rain bands are expected to reach Islands and Cape Cod around sunset on Friday, with the heaviest rain occurring over Cape Cod on Saturday morning. Coastal areas could experience waves of 10 to 20 feet, leading to potential coastal erosion. Inland regions, however, will likely experience minimal rain and only gusty winds.
New York, while not expected to take a direct hit, is also preparing for potential effects from Hurricane Lee. Long Island shore towns are bracing for high surf, dangerous rip currents, and potential beach erosion. Area crews have been working diligently to secure waterways and build up coastal areas to protect beaches. Governor Kathy Hochul has deployed 50 members of the National Guard to assist in storm preparations.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds. Hurricane Lee, now a Category 1 storm, has sustained winds between 74 and 95 mph. Category 3 or higher storms are considered major hurricanes with the potential for devastating damage.
Officials urge residents in the affected regions to stay updated on the storm’s progress and follow any instructions or evacuation orders issued by local authorities. President Biden has declared an emergency for the state of Maine, freeing up resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts.
As Hurricane Lee continues its northward trajectory, communities along the New England coast must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.