Tropical Storm Lee intensifies, becomes hurricane, heads to Caribbean.
Tropical Storm Lee Strengthens into a Hurricane
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico—Tropical Storm Lee has transformed into a powerful hurricane as it makes its way through the vast Atlantic waters. This hurricane is projected to approach the northeast Caribbean.
The hurricane is currently positioned approximately 1,130 miles (1,815 kilometers) east of the northern Leeward Islands. With maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph) and a west-northwest movement at 14 mph (22 kph), it poses a significant threat, according to the National Hurricane Center.
While the latest forecasts indicate that the hurricane will not make landfall, it is expected to pass just northeast of the British Virgin Islands. These islands are still recovering from the devastating hurricanes Maria and Irma that struck in September 2017.
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“It has the potential to become a powerhouse Category 5 hurricane, the strongest hurricane of the year,” said Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist for AccuWeather.
Lee is the 12th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to Nov. 30.
According to the National Hurricane Center, it is expected to intensify into an “extremely dangerous” major hurricane by early Saturday. The storm is currently moving over warm waters and in a moist environment.
The hurricane is anticipated to generate life-threatening swells that will impact the Lesser Antilles on Friday, followed by Puerto Rico, the United States, and the British Virgin Islands over the weekend. The National Weather Service in San Juan warns that sea levels around Puerto Rico could rise up to 12 feet.
“There is still too much uncertainty regarding rainfall and possible wind impacts, as Lee is forecast to pass a couple hundred miles north of the islands,” the National Hurricane Center stated.
In August, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration predicted an above-normal number of storms for this year’s hurricane season. They forecasted between 14 to 21 named storms, with six to 11 potentially becoming hurricanes and two to five of them reaching major hurricane status.
Meanwhile, AccuWeather has updated its forecast, now predicting three to five Category 3 or stronger hurricanes this season, compared to their previous estimate of one to three.
In the Pacific, Hurricane Jova has strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane far off the southwest coast of Mexico. Fortunately, it poses no threat to land.
Jova is currently located approximately 565 miles (910 kilometers) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California and is moving west-nor.
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