Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Lee. The powerful storm, which spent several hours at Category 5 status during its 10-day journey across the Atlantic, reached land on Friday morning. With its path set to hit eastern New England and Atlantic Canada, the governor has requested a pre-disaster emergency declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
According to AccuWeather hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski, the worst conditions are expected to occur on Saturday, as Hurricane Lee tracks eastward. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for hurricane conditions and coastal flooding in parts of eastern Maine, southern New Brunswick, and western Nova Scotia.
Boston’s National Weather Service has predicted that the strongest winds will occur from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday across outer Cape Cod through Nantucket. Wind gusts of up to 55-65 mph are expected, and coastal flooding may continue during high tide on Saturday morning.
The state of Maine is also under a state of emergency, as it faces its first hurricane watch in 15 years. Governor Healey has declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts as well.
Parts of southern New Brunswick and most of Nova Scotia in Canada have already experienced hurricane conditions on Friday, and the hurricane center warns of potential power outages and downed trees.
Residents in New England are urged to stay updated with the latest developments and to follow any evacuation orders or safety precautions issued by local authorities. The projected path of Hurricane Lee can be tracked live, providing an estimate of its center, although it should be noted that the storm’s impacts may extend beyond the projected path. Additionally, the hurricane center bases its forecasts on the top-performing models known as spaghetti models.
As Hurricane Lee continues its assault on the region, it is essential for residents to prioritize their safety and take necessary precautions to mitigate the storm’s potential impact.