Hurricane Lee Whips Up Massive Waves

Hurricane Lee, a powerful Category 3 storm, caused waves of over 15 feet (5 meters) on Monday as it surged through open waters just north of the Caribbean region.

Unpredictable Path, Potential Impact

While the storm is not expected to make landfall this week, forecasters are urging residents of New England and nearby areas to closely monitor Hurricane Lee due to its uncertain future path. Presently, it is situated approximately 365 miles (590 kilometers) north of the northern Leeward Islands, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 mph (195 kph) and moving northwest at 8 mph (13 kph).

Strengthening and Weakening

Forecasters anticipate that Hurricane Lee will strengthen slightly in the coming days before weakening again. As it continues its journey, it is likely to pass just west of Bermuda late on Thursday and Friday, ultimately ending up offshore of the mid-Atlantic states and New England by the end of the week.

Impending Hazards

The National Hurricane Center has warned that although Lee is projected to weaken later in the week, it is expected to significantly increase in size. As a result, hazards will extend well beyond the center of the storm. While it remains too early to determine the specific timing and level of the impacts on Bermuda, the island could experience strong winds, heavy rain, and high surf.

Advisories and Warnings

A high surf advisory is currently in effect for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The National Weather Service has issued a warning about breaking waves of up to 15 feet (5 meters) for beaches facing north and east.

The National Hurricane Center Warning

The National Hurricane Center has issued a warning of dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast this week. However, the potential impacts of the hurricane beyond this remain uncertain.

Uncertainty Surrounding Additional Impacts

According to the center, it is too early to determine the level of additional impacts that Hurricane Lee may have along the northeast U.S. coast and Atlantic Canada late this week and over the weekend. Nevertheless, as Lee continues to grow in size, wind and rainfall hazards are expected to extend well beyond its center.

Lee’s Rapid Strengthening and Weakening

Last week, Lee rapidly transformed from a Category 1 storm to a Category 5 storm within just 24 hours, although it subsequently weakened slightly.

Atlantic Hurricane Season

Lee is the 12th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1 and lasts until November 30. The season reached its peak on Sunday.

Above-Normal Hurricane System Forecast

In August, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revised its forecast, doubling the chance of an above-normal hurricane system to 60%. The forecast predicts between 14 and 21 named storms, with six to 11 of them intensifying into hurricanes. Furthermore, it is expected that two to five of these hurricanes will reach major hurricane status, falling under Categories 3, 4, or 5.

Tropical Storm Margot

Notably, Tropical Storm Margot is also active in the open Atlantic. It is projected to strengthen into a hurricane on Monday night. As of now, Margot is located 1,245 miles northwest of the Cabo Verde islands, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. The storm is moving north at a speed of 10mph and is expected to remain over open waters.