Residents in Coastal New England are bracing for a threat that has been growing over the past week – Hurricane Lee. The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Coastal New England and Hurricane Watch from Provincetown to Chatham as this massive hurricane begins to make its way up the eastern seaboard.
Lee is the first hurricane of the season and one of the largest on record, with sustained winds reaching speeds of 100 mph. It is located far off the east coast and is moving east-northeast at a speed of 12 mph. The winds from the storm extend well over 200 miles from the eye, making it a dangerous threat.
The National Hurricane Center advises that Tropical Storm conditions are expected to arrive in Coastal New England late Wednesday into early Thursday morning. Maximum sustained winds are expected to be in the 35-40 mph range and a peak gust of around 60 mph. Because of the large size of the storm, the impacts will be felt through most of Coastal New England.
As the storm approaches, the National Weather service is urging people to be prepared for strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding. Even though the storm is moving slowly, it will bring large waves and long surge, which could cause beach erosion and damage to coastal construction.
The biggest danger of the storm may be the potential for power outages. The winds from Lee are expected to be so strong that they could easily knock down power lines and trees. There is also the potential for tornadoes, though they are not expected to be a major threat.
Residents of Coastal New England should prepare now for the storm and follow the instructions from the National Hurricane Center. Secure outdoor furniture, prepare backup electricity sources, and create an emergency plan. Hurricane Lee is a dangerous storm and it’s important to take all necessary precautions to keep your family safe.