Atlantic Storm Lee made its mark on New England and Maritime Canada this weekend, causing destructive winds, rough surf, and torrential rains. The storm, which made landfall at near-hurricane strength, led to warnings and precautions being put in place, but officials now predict that Lee will dissipate early this week.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that Lee, now a post-tropical cyclone, was located west of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and forecasted gradual weakening over the next couple of days. The center discontinued tropical storm warnings for Maine and New Brunswick, and storm surges along coastal areas are expected to subside on Sunday.
Sadly, there was a casualty caused by the storm. A 51-year-old motorist in Searsport, Maine, lost his life when a large tree limb fell on his vehicle during high winds. The storm brought down power lines, resulting in power outages in several areas.
While Lee moves northeast across the Canadian Maritimes, rainfall is expected to be minimal in eastern Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for parts of Nova Scotia, the Magdalen Islands, and Prince Edward Island, with strong winds potentially causing further damage.
The impact of the storm was felt beyond its center, causing power outages in various regions. Utility companies are working to restore power to affected areas. Additionally, Lee’s effects may reach Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the U.S. East Coast, with warnings of life-threatening surf swells and rip currents.
Overall, Lee’s arrival has disrupted normal life in the affected regions. Ferries have been canceled, coastal roads flooded, and flights grounded, leaving people exhausted after dealing with multiple natural disasters in quick succession.
FAQ
Q: What was the estimated wind speed of Atlantic Storm Lee?
A: The top sustained wind speed of Atlantic Storm Lee was 50 mph (85 kph) with some higher gusts expected.
Q: How far did the tropical storm-force winds of Lee extend?
A: The tropical storm-force winds of Lee extended as far as 320 miles (515 kilometers), covering all of Maine and much of Maritime Canada.
Q: How is Lee similar to Superstorm Sandy?
A: Both Lee and Superstorm Sandy were once-strong hurricanes that became post-tropical cyclones before making landfall. However, Lee was not as destructive as Sandy.