Tropical Storm Lee Set To Rapidly Become A Major Hurricane This Weekend
Tropical storm Lee set to rapidly become a major hurricane this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center. Numerous warnings have emphasized the impending danger of Lee transforming into an extremely hazardous hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean, as the hurricane season approaches its usual peak in early September.
By Wednesday, Lee has the potential to reach hurricane status, and it is projected to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane or even stronger by the end of the week. The Leeward Islands in the Caribbean are expected to experience the impacts of this powerful hurricane over the weekend, according to meteorologists.
“Lee is not far from hurricane strength, and it likely will achieve that status later today,” the National Hurricane Center noted in its 5 a.m. update.
“„While it is too soon to determine the location and magnitude of these possible impacts, interests in this area should monitor the progress of Lee and further updates to the forecast.- National Hurricane Center
The tropical storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and is located approximately 1,300 miles to the east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands, as reported by the hurricane center. These islands encompass the Virgin Islands, Saint Martin, as well as Antigua and Barbuda.
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"Interests across the Caribbean and along the East Coast from Florida to Maine will need to pay close attention to this feature," AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said. "Depending on the path this system takes, the expected time frame for potential impacts to the United States and Atlantic Canada may be Sept. 13-16."
Tracking LEE
Swells generated by Tropical Storm Lee are forecasted to reach parts of the Lesser Antilles by Friday. These swells have the potential to create extremely hazardous surf and rip current conditions that could pose a danger to life. The hurricane center predicts that Lee's winds could escalate to 150 mph by Sunday evening.
It's crucial to note that any alterations in Lee's path, as it approaches these islands, may lead to a greater impact in these areas and potentially beyond. Individuals in the eastern Caribbean, encompassing the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, as well as the Bahamas, should remain vigilant and closely monitor the weather forecasts.
At this point, it remains uncertain whether this system will directly affect the US mainland. However, even if the hurricane remains offshore, there is a risk of dangerous surf and rip currents posing a threat to the East Coast once again. Tragically, during the Labor Day weekend, one individual lost their life due to a rip current in New Jersey.
Tropical Storm Lee developed on Tuesday, having formed earlier in the morning within the central tropical Atlantic. It has been moving through exceptionally warm waters, as indicated by the National Hurricane Center, which anticipates rapid strengthening of the storm.
Rapid intensification refers to a scenario where a storm's winds undergo a rapid and significant strengthening over a short period, typically defined as an increase in wind speed of at least 35 mph in 24 hours or less. This phenomenon is often aided by the presence of warm ocean waters.
As Lee continues its west-northwestward trajectory throughout the week, it will encounter increasingly favorable conditions for intensification. These conditions include ample moisture, low wind shear, and abnormally warm water extending along nearly the entire projected path of the potential cyclone.
“The NHC intensity forecast is extremely bullish for a first forecast, but remarkably lies below the intensity consensus,” the hurricane center’s storm discussion said. “All indications are that the depression will become a strong hurricane by the end of the forecast period.”
Lee is poised to become the fourth hurricane of this season to attain that status, following in the footsteps of Don, Franklin, and Idalia. The hurricane is anticipated to undergo substantial strengthening by the weekend and is projected to become the third hurricane of Category 3 or higher for this season as the weekend commences.
The climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season falls on Sunday, September 10, which is when the basin typically experiences its highest level of activity on average. It's not uncommon to see a surge in tropical activity around this date, but it can quickly escalate into hazardous conditions.
Prediction and timing of winds, as of 5 a.m. Wednesday:
- 12 hours: 80 mph (Category 1)
- 24 hours: 90 mph
- 48 hours: 120 mph (Category 3)
- 60 hours: 140 mph (Category 4)
- 72 hours: 150 mph (Category 4)
- 96 hours: 150 mph
- 120 hours: 150 mph
Conclusion
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season has already been quite active, surpassing the averages in various key metrics. These include the number of named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes, as reported by Philip Klotzbach, a research scientist at Colorado State University.
