Lee becomes a Category 5 hurricane.
Hurricane Lee Intensifies into Category 5 Storm
Hurricane Lee has intensified into the first Category 5 hurricane of the Atlantic season, which lasts until Nov. 30.
“Dangerous beach conditions expected to develop around the Western Atlantic through early next week,”
The National Hurricane Center released its latest update at 11 p.m. on Thursday, stating that Hurricane Lee is expected to strengthen further overnight. With winds already “near 160 mph,” it is on track to become even stronger.
Impacts and Forecast
The update added that Lee is expected to pass well to the north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico over the weekend and into early next week. The storm is expected to remain a major hurricane “through early next week.”
With swells causing “life-threatening” surf and rip current conditions, the hurricane may affect Bermuda, Atlantic Canada, and parts of the East Coast. There were earlier concerns that it could make landfall as far as Nova Scotia.
In preparation for the storm, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has pre-deployed assets and is coordinating with local officials in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Unusual Intensification
Despite being the first Category 5 storm of the season, Hurricane Lee is the 12th named hurricane. This year, computer forecast models have shown an alarming rate of intensification, surpassing what is typically observed. This is attributed to the moist environment, rising ocean temperature, and minimal wind shear.
Over the past 100 years, a total of 38 Atlantic hurricanes have reached Category 5 intensity.
Precautions and Warnings
The Weather Channel advises those along the Eastern Seaboard to avoid high surf and rip currents. Coastal flooding and beach erosion are also possible next week. While residents in the affected islands are encouraged to stay vigilant, no advisories have been issued at this time to shelter in place.
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