Hurricane Lee, a powerful Category 3 storm, is currently swirling hundreds of miles east of the Caribbean, posing a potential threat to the US Atlantic seaboard. Experts forecast that the storm could make its impact felt as early as this weekend, and there are concerns that Lee might strengthen further as it moves towards the US mainland.
The effects of the storm are expected to manifest as rip currents and large waves along the East Coast of the United States on Sunday and Monday. Although Lee is projected to pass north of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the northern Leeward Islands, the Caribbean islands will still feel its impact.
What makes Lee especially noteworthy is that it is a rare Category 5 storm, with only 2% of storms in the Atlantic reaching that level of intensity. The rapid intensification of Lee can be attributed to the unusually warm ocean waters in the region, which are approximately 2 degrees Celsius above normal.
In recent years, the occurrence of Category 5 storms has become more frequent, a concerning trend, to say the least. The exact path that Lee will take and how close it will get to the US is dependent on various atmospheric factors. If the jet stream forms along the East Coast, it could act as a barrier preventing Lee from approaching the coast directly. On the other hand, if high pressure remains strong and the jet stream sets up farther inland, certain coastal areas could be at risk of a closer approach by Lee.
As of now, the potential impact of Lee on the US is still uncertain, and it will take some time to determine its exact trajectory. Experts will continue to monitor the storm closely, analyzing atmospheric conditions and making predictions to keep citizens informed of any potential risks.
Stay tuned as we bring you updates on Hurricane Lee and its potential impact. The coming days will shed more light on whether the US Atlantic seaboard needs to brace for this powerful storm.
