As Hurricane Lee continues its journey across the Atlantic Ocean, Boston finds itself within the forecast cone, raising concerns about its potential impact on the U.S. East Coast.
This major hurricane, currently rated as a Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, is causing dangerous surf and rip currents that have begun affecting the Eastern Seaboard.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that Hurricane Lee boasts maximum sustained winds of 115 mph with gusts even higher. Significantly, this marks the first time in Lee’s history that land, including Boston and Nantucket, Massachusetts, is included in the forecast cone.
While the hurricane moves away from the Caribbean Islands, it has left a trail of dangerous conditions, including life-threatening rip currents and hazardous surf. These conditions have impacted the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, and are expected to spread to areas such as Hispaniola, Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and Bermuda in the coming days.
The U.S. Coast Guard has issued warnings about the deteriorating sea conditions around Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where 10-15 foot surf and life-threatening rip currents are prevalent. This poses particular risks to individuals engaged in boating, fishing, beachgoing, or water sports activities.
Hurricane Lee’s anticipated path includes gradual movement along the Eastern Seaboard, bringing with it ongoing risks of dangerous surf and rip currents. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, has already issued advisories, urging visitors to avoid swimming in the ocean until conditions improve. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore has warned of large breaking waves, life-threatening rip currents, beach erosion, ocean overwash, and coastal flooding, all expected to persist into the weekend.
FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross highlights the uncertainty surrounding Lee’s exact trajectory, with computer models suggesting it will likely stay offshore but potentially affect the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast coasts. Monitoring future forecasts is advised due to the possibility of an S-shaped path, which could bring stronger winds closer to the coastline in parts of the Northeast, New England, and Atlantic Canada.
Lee’s rapid intensification, from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane within 24 hours, is notable, making it the 13th Category 5 storm to form east of the Caribbean on record. Although it temporarily weakened due to wind shear, the hurricane regained strength as it swirls in the Southwestern Atlantic.
Currently located approximately 365 miles north of the northern Leeward Islands and 615 miles south of Bermuda, Hurricane Lee is heading northwest while gradually slowing down. The NHC anticipates a west-northwest to northwest motion in the coming days, followed by a turn to the north mid-week. While no watches or warnings are currently in effect for landmasses, Bermuda is advised to closely monitor Hurricane Lee’s progress. Atmospheric conditions could potentially allow Lee to regain Category 4 status during the early workweek.
