Miami — With Hurricane Lee looming on the horizon, coastal regions are taking swift action to prepare for the onslaught of heavy winds, high seas, and torrential rain. Fishermen have retrieved their lobster traps from the water, and residents have pulled hundreds of boats ashore, leaving some harbors eerily deserted. Utility workers, hailing from as far away as Tennessee, have strategically positioned themselves to respond to power outages and emergencies. As Hurricane Lee approaches, communities along its projected path are bracing for the impact.
Hurricane Lee is expected to span more than 400 miles (640 kilometers) when it reaches land, boasting tropical-storm-force winds. This expansive reach has raised concerns about power outages, particularly in Maine, the most densely forested state in the U.S., where the ground is saturated and trees have been weakened by heavy summer rains.
As of Friday, Hurricane Lee maintained its status as a Category 1 hurricane, with winds reaching 80 mph (128 kph). The storm is on a trajectory toward New England and eastern Canada, accompanied by 20-foot (6-meter) ocean swells, strong winds, and relentless rain. Forecasters anticipate wind speeds exceeding 40 mph (64 kph) throughout the affected region, with peak gusts surging past 65 mph (104 kph). Landfall is expected on Saturday afternoon.
While Hurricane Lee did not directly contribute to the recent flooding in New England, it poses a serious threat to an already waterlogged region. Communities along the storm’s path are left with little recourse but to wait, worry, and make final preparations.
In Bar Harbor, Maine, the usually bustling waters were eerily calm, with only two lobster boats remaining compared to the typical 20 to 25. Lobsterman Bruce Young took a proactive approach, relocating his 38-foot (12-meter) vessel to the local airport, prioritizing safety over convenience. Young quipped, “There’s going to be huge white rollers coming in on top of 50 to 60 mph winds. It’ll be quite entertaining.”
On Long Island, commercial lobster fisherman Steve Train wasted no time hauling 200 traps out of the water. As a firefighter, Train decided to weather the storm on Casco Bay island, displaying remarkable composure in the face of the impending tempest.
Although Hurricane Lee’s projected landfall is near Nova Scotia, its far-reaching impact is expected to persist even if it weakens to a tropical storm. Coastal areas in Maine may experience waves surging up to 15 feet (4.5 meters), leading to erosion and damage. Moreover, powerful gusts are likely to trigger power outages, with eastern Maine forecasted to receive up to 5 inches (12 centimeters) of rainfall, prompting a flash flood watch.
In Canada, meteorologists anticipate that Lee will not rival the severity of the remnants of Hurricane Fiona, which wreaked havoc a year ago. Nevertheless, the storm is considered dangerous. Ian Hubbard, a meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Hurricane Centre, urged residents to remain indoors, emphasizing, “Nothing good can come from checking out the big waves and how strong the wind truly is.”
In response to the impending storm, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency, urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to issue a pre-disaster emergency declaration. She also activated up to 50 National Guard members to assist with storm preparations and emergency response.
As Hurricane Lee approaches, the memories of recent severe weather events in New England serve as a stark reminder of the potential hazards. Residents and authorities are taking proactive measures to mitigate flooding, wind damage, fallen trees, and other threats associated with the storm.
While the impact of Hurricane Lee remains uncertain, coastal communities are demonstrating resilience and readiness in the face of this natural challenge. As they brace for the impending storm, they draw upon their collective experience and determination to weather the tempest and emerge stronger on the other side.
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