Image Credit: NOAA
Tropical Storm Lee, a formidable entity birthed in the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, now stands poised for an astounding metamorphosis. Forecasters, ever vigilant, predict a rapid transformation into a formidable hurricane of considerable magnitude, an event anticipated to unfurl its full splendor by the imminent weekend.
In their latest communiqué, the venerable National Hurricane Center has disclosed that Lee currently bears the winds of 45 mph, an insistent breath pushing it with determination towards the Leeward Islands. Foreboders of meteorological fate have not minced words, painting a stark portrait of the storm’s trajectory and impending magnificence.
The communiqué, drenched in ominous undertones, asserts that it is no longer a matter of “if” but “when” Lee shall undergo the dramatic transition into a tempest of unparalleled ferocity. The forecast unfurls an awe-inspiring spectacle, a crescendo of winds reaching a blistering 145 mph, officially classifying it as a “major hurricane” of the imposing Category 4 denomination.
What further amplifies the astonishment is the rapidity of Lee’s ascent, which defies the customary pace of such meteorological phenomena. A mere 5 mph uptick from the National Hurricane Center’s earlier advisement in the same day leaves seasoned observers awestruck. The impetus behind this swifter metamorphosis is none other than the above-average temperatures of the oceanic expanse Lee now traverses.
Meteorological aficionados underline the remarkable confluence of circumstances, as Lee journeys through waters akin to those typically found in the balmy embrace of the Gulf of Mexico, an anomaly amidst the usually frigid vastness of the Atlantic. This juxtaposition of geographical peculiarities only adds to the perplexing narrative.
Yet, the tale remains unfulfilled, shrouded in the cloak of uncertainty that veils the future. Though a cornucopia of long-range prognostications foretell Lee’s eventual northward course, mercifully evading the Caribbean and retaining its maritime identity, the script remains far from conclusive. History whispers tales of Hurricane Irma, whose path, in the annals of 2017, was charted with similar certainty—only to defy the script and unleash its fury upon the Gulf coast of Florida.
Lee, by nomenclature, marks the 13th named entity in an Atlantic hurricane season that eschews the ordinary, defying statistical norms with an audacious abundance of 13 or more named storms by September 5th. Phil Klotzbach, the diligent researcher, guides our retrospective gaze to a select club of only “4 other years on record” that share this peculiar distinction: the tempestuous years of 2005, 2011, 2012, and the tumultuous 2020.
FAQs
- Will hurricane Lee hit us? : Anticipated to undergo intensification, this weather system is poised to evolve into a potent hurricane, with the potential to reach major hurricane status. Its projected path will steer it westward, approaching the United States. While a scenario involving landfall along the Eastern Seaboard remains plausible, equally probable, or potentially more so, is the prospect of it veering seaward, thereby avoiding direct impact on the U.S. East Coast.
- What category is hurricane Lee?: As per the advisory, the critical consideration at hand revolves around the timing of Lee’s rapid intensification, not whether it will transpire. Forecasts indicate that wind speeds are anticipated to ascend to 145 mph, classifying Lee as a formidable Category 4 hurricane, often referred to as a “major hurricane.”
- Where is Tropical Storm Lee going?: Tropical Storm Lee forms in Atlantic, forecast to become major hurricane heading to the Caribbean.
In the grand tapestry of meteorological phenomena, Tropical Storm Lee emerges as a central character, poised for a spectacular transformation. The elements orchestrate a symphony of intrigue, crafting a narrative marked by uncertainty, complexity, and the relentless dynamism of our natural world.
Update as on September 17, 2023
On Sunday, over 150,000 residences and businesses in Maine and the eastern part of Canada experienced power outages due to strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph. These winds were a result of the remnants of Hurricane Lee, which was once an incredibly powerful Category 5 storm. Although Lee has now been reclassified as a post-tropical cyclone, it still maintained wind speeds of 45 mph on Sunday. The storm’s center was located approximately 70 miles to the west of Charlottetown on Canada’s Prince Edward Island, and it was swiftly moving to the northeast at a rate of 22 mph.
Governor Janel Mills of Maine issued a warning about the hazardous conditions caused by the storm. She pointed out that the combination of high winds, fully grown trees, and saturated ground meant that fallen trees would likely be a recurring issue. She urged residents to avoid traveling on the roads if possible and stressed the importance of not driving around fallen trees or over downed power lines. Additionally, she advised people to obey road closure signs and barriers for their safety.