Hurricane Lee, a Category 3 storm, began its retreat from the northern Caribbean on Wednesday. Setting its sights on Atlantic Canada, the storm has already stirred big waves as it moves.
Located approximately 475 miles (765 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda during Wednesday morning, Lee was clocking winds at a formidable 115 miles per hour (185 kilometers per hour).
According to forecasters, it was also gradually making its way northwest at a speed of 6 mph (9 kph).
Bermuda on high alert
With projections indicating that Lee might pass just west of Bermuda, forecasters were prompted to issue a tropical storm watch for the island.
The inhabitants are bracing for heavy winds and rainfall, expected to commence either late Wednesday or in the early hours of Thursday.
More on Hurricane Lee
- Bermudians on high alert as Hurricane Lee approaches island
- Hurricane Lee threatens as potential Category 5 storm
- Tropical Storm Lee expected to become hurricane as it approaches the Caribbean
Atlantic Canada’s weekend outlook
Continuing its northerly trajectory, Lee is anticipated to venture into cooler waters, where it will weaken. Yet, its potential landing in Nova Scotia, Canada, as a possible tropical storm over the weekend remains a cause for concern.
“Slow weakening is forecast during the next few days, however, Lee is likely to remain a large and dangerous hurricane into the weekend,” the National Hurricane Center said.
“Lee’s expected post-tropical transition will not diminish potential wind, rain, and coastal flooding impacts in New England and Atlantic Canada due to the system’s broad wind field.”
The center noted that hurricane-force winds extend up to 115 miles (185 kilometers) from Lee’s epicenter. Additionally, tropical storm-force winds span up to 240 miles (390 kilometers).
Coastal areas face surging threats
Forecasters are issuing alerts about the perilous surf and rip currents in numerous regions: the Lesser Antilles, the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and parts of the U.S. southeast coast.
These hazardous conditions are set to reach the US East Coast and Atlantic Canada in the days to come.
Hurricane Margot’s journey
In related news, Hurricane Margot made its presence known in the open Atlantic waters on Wednesday.
Positioned 790 miles (1,270 kilometers) west-southwest of the Azores, it has maximum sustained winds of 85 miles (140 kilometers).
Traveling northward at 12 mph (19 kph), Margot’s trajectory suggests it will stay over open waters.
Marking the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Margot is also the fifth hurricane to manifest.
The peak of the season was observed on Sunday, which runs from June 1 to November 30.
