Hurricane Lee tracker update: One dead in Maine after storm landfall leaves thousands without power
Storm Lee made landfall at around 4pm in far western Nova Scotia, with winds whipping at 70mph, which killed one person and left thousands without electricity.
Although it has been downgraded to a ‘post-tropical cyclone,’ it is still producing hurricane-force winds, battering a large swath of New England and Maritime Canada.
A 51-year-old motorist died in Searsport, Maine, after a large tree limb fell on his vehicle on a US highway.
The tree limb brought down live power lines, and utility workers had to cut power before the man could be removed, said police chief Brian Lunt.
The storm was so big that it caused power outages several hundred miles from its center. At midday Saturday, 11 per cent of electricity customers in Maine lacked power, along with 27 per cent of Nova Scotia, 8 per cent of New Brunswick and 3 per cent of Prince Edward Island.
Although both Massachusetts and Maine previously declared states of emergency, Massachusetts lifted its state of emergency on Saturday.
The Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for hundreds of miles of coastline from Massachusetts to Nova Scotia, affecting some 9 million people.
Key Points
Rain-soaked New England hit by likely tornado ahead of Hurricane Lee’s arrival
State of emergency declared in Maine as Lee approaches
Bermuda pounded by heavy surf from Hurricane Lee
Where is the storm currently?
When will Hurricane Lee reach New England?
22:00 , Kelly Rissman
Post-tropical cyclone Lee has taken at least one life
A 51-year-old motorist in Searsport, Maine, was killed after the gusts caused a large tree limb to topple onto his vehicle on Saturday on US Highway 1.
The tree limb also brought down live power lines, meaning utility workers had to cut power before the man could be removed, police chief Brian Lunt said. The 51-year-old later died at a hospital, the chief said.
Read more on the aftermath of the storm here.
Motorist dies after tree limb falls on vehicle as Lee batters New England and Canada
21:30 , Kelly Rissman
Post-tropical storm Lee is crossing Eastern Quebec
According to Canada’s hurricane center, Lee will result in about 1 to 4 inches of rain, which is expected to stop this evening.
“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts,” the center wrote.
21:00 , Kelly Rissman
Canada’s hurricane center gives an update
The remnant low from Lee is crossing the Gulf of St. Lawrence today.
The current central pressure is estimated at 989 millibars. Conditions continue to improve in many areas of Nova Scotia and southern New Brunswick.
20:30 , Kelly Rissman
Some advice from FEMA
Hurricane #Lee brought damages to some areas. For your safety avoid power or utility lines — they can still be electrified.
📲 If you see a downed power line or other electrical hazard, report them immediately to your power or utility company. pic.twitter.com/pbw6DHR9tD— FEMA (@fema) September 17, 2023
20:00 , Kelly Rissman
Climate change could bring more monster storms to New England
When it comes to hurricanes, New England can’t compete with Florida or the Caribbean.
But scientists said Friday the arrival of storms like Hurricane Lee this weekend could become more common in the region as the planet warms, including in places such as the Gulf of Maine.
One recent study found climate change could result in hurricanes expanding their reach more often into mid-latitude regions, which include New York, Boston and even Beijing.
The study says the factors include warmer sea surface temperatures in these regions and the shifting and weakening of the jet streams, which are the strong bands of air currents encircling the planet in both hemispheres.
More here.
Climate change could bring more monster storms like Hurricane Lee to New England
19:30 , Kelly Rissman
Leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party offers support for those affected by Lee
My thoughts are with all of the Maritimers who are being impacted by Hurricane Lee today. You’ve gone through so much in recent months with the floods, forest fires and now a hurricane.
Canadians have your back. Stay safe and listen to advice from local authorities.— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) September 16, 2023
19:00 , Kelly Rissman
Post-tropical cyclone Lee has taken at least one life
A 51-year-old motorist in Searsport, Maine, was killed after the gusts caused a large tree limb to topple onto his vehicle on Saturday on US Highway 1.
The tree limb also brought down live power lines, meaning utility workers had to cut power before the man could be removed, police chief Brian Lunt said. The 51-year-old later died at a hospital, the chief said.
Read more on the aftermath of the storm here.
Motorist dies after tree limb falls on vehicle as Lee batters New England and Canada
18:30 , Kelly Rissman
Canada’s hurricane center forecasts Lee’s path
18:00 , Kelly Rissman
Meteorologist captures Lee’s effects in Nova Scotia
Scenes of monster waves and surf at Peggy’s Cove lighthouse last night in the wake of Post-tropical Cyclone Lee in Nova Scotia. Huge wind field is the signature of this storm. Today, we will be documenting the effects of the coastal erosion, since it is too expensive to fly out… pic.twitter.com/0xDQtBPOF7
— Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerAccu) September 17, 2023
17:30 , Kelly Rissman
Thousands are without power in Nova Scotia, as workers try to restore it as soon as possible
Work continues this afternoon as our crews respond to damage caused by Post Tropical Storm Lee.
Significant winds impacted the province for almost 24-hours, with winds reaching over 90km an hour in most areas. Limbs and branches have come down onto power lines, and in some cases… pic.twitter.com/gPs4MYByNz— Nova Scotia Power (@nspowerinc) September 17, 2023
17:00 , Kelly Rissman
National Hurricane Center issues last advisory
All tropical storm warnings for Canada are discontinued, the hurricane center wrote.
As of 11am, Lee is 135 miles from Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland, with winds moving at 45mph. The storm is expected to head over Newfoundland later today and over the Atlantic waters by early Monday, the center wrote.
Wind gusts up to “near gale force” are still possible over portions of Atlantic Canada today, the National Hurricane Center wrote.
16:30 , Kelly Rissman
Power outages in Maine
A large chunk of the state’s residents — 42,000 to be exact — are without power as of Sunday morning, according to Poweroutage.us. That number is down from yesterday when nearly 60,000 locals had reported outages.
16:00 , Kelly Rissman
National Hurricane Center’s Watches and Warnings in Effect:
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
Nova Scotia from Lismore eastward to Point Aconi and southwestward to east of Porters Lake
Prince Edward Island from Savage Harbor eastward to east of Wood Islands
Magdalen Islands
15:30 , Kelly Rissman
A look at the life cycle of Lee
16 days of the life of #Lee:
Chapter 1: African easterly wave → sudden intensification into Category 5 #hurricane
Chapter 2: Eyewall replacements and restrengthening
Chapter 3: Expansion, post-tropical transition, and landfall in Canada#meteorology pic.twitter.com/daWeZEC5Sk— Stu Ostro (@StuOstro) September 17, 2023
15:00 , Kelly Rissman
“Gusty Winds” in Atlantic Canada as Lee rages on
An 8am advisory from the National Hurricane Center located the storm as about 70 miles from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island with winds whipping at 45mph.
A faster “northeastward motion is expected over the next couple of days, taking Lee over Newfoundland this afternoon and over the Atlantic waters by early Monday,” according to the hurricane center.
The storm is expected to gradually weaken over the next couple of days, and “Lee could dissipate on Tuesday.”
Warnings called off in parts of US and Canada
14:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Post-tropical cyclone Lee made landfall at near-hurricane strength Saturday, bringing destructive winds, rough surf and torrential rains to New England and Maritime Canada.
But officials withdrew some warnings for the region late Saturday night.
The US National Hurricane Center discontinued a tropical storm warning for the coast of Maine, while Environment Canada ended its tropical storm warning in New Brunswick.
A tropical storm warning remained in effect for parts of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands.
Nearly 144,000 left without power in Nova Scotia
13:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
About 144,000 people were without power on Saturday after strong winds due to storm Lee downed trees. In neighboring New Brunswick, 37,000 people had no electricity.
“Crews have been able to restore power to some customers ... however, conditions are getting worse,” Matt Drover of the Nova Scotia electric utility told Reuters.
“In many cases, especially when winds are above 80 kmph, it isn’t safe for our crews.”
In a social media post, Nova Scotia police said they had received reports of drivers heading to the coast to watch the waves, which they said was dangerous.
Storm Lee continues to move north
12:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Heavy downpour is expected to continue through Sunday in the Prince Edward Island province of Canada, the forecasters said.
Storm Lee made landfall in far western Nova Scotia, with winds whipping at 70mph, which killed one person and left thousands without electricity.
Lee is on track to turn northeast and pass over Saturday night into Sunday, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
Hurricane Lee makes landfall in Nova Scotia
11:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Hurricane Lee made landfall in Western Novia Scotia on Saturday, as millions in New England and Canada have been preparing for its devastation.
Maximum sustained winds were at 70mph, as of 4pm when the storm reached land about 50 miles from Eastport, Maine and about 135 miles from Halifax, Nova Scotia, according to the National Hurricane Center.
More here.
Teenager drowns ahead of Lee landfall
10:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
A teenager drowned while in rough waters of the Atlantic on Wednesday, authorities in Florida said.
The 15-year-old was with two other people when he fell off a raft, Fernandina Beach Police Department told Fox Weather.
The other two were brought back to the shore and rushed to a local medical centre while authorities searched for the missing teen.
The group had ventured into the ocean despite multiple red flags warnings about the rough waters ahead of storm Lee’s landfall.
Republican representative survives after boat incident
09:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Billy Bob Faulkingham, House Republican leader of the Maine Legislature, and another lobsterman survived after their boat overturned while hauling traps ahead of the storm, officials said.
The boat’s emergency locator beacon alerted authorities, and the two clung to the hull until help arrived, said Winter Harbor Police chief Danny Mitchell. The 42-foot boat sank.“They’re very lucky to be alive,” Mr Mitchell said.
Forecasters urged residents to stay home, but many ventured out anyway.
Betsy Follansbee and her husband, Fred, jogged to Higgins Beach in Scarborough, Maine, to watch surfers — some wearing helmets — paddling out to catch waves reaching 12 feet.
They were the biggest waves Follansbee has seen in her 10 years living there, she said.“We’re impressed that they’re bold enough to try,” Ms Follansbee said.
Climate change could bring more monster storms to New England
08:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
When it comes to hurricanes, New England can’t compete with Florida or the Caribbean.
But scientists said Friday the arrival of storms like Hurricane Lee this weekend could become more common in the region as the planet warms, including in places such as the Gulf of Maine.
One recent study found climate change could result in hurricanes expanding their reach more often into mid-latitude regions, which include New York, Boston and even Beijing.
The study says the factors include warmer sea surface temperatures in these regions and the shifting and weakening of the jet streams, which are the strong bands of air currents encircling the planet in both hemispheres.
More here.
Climate change could bring more monster storms like Hurricane Lee to New England
Thousands left without power and flights cancelled as Lee makes landfall
07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Thousands of people were left without power as storm Lee made landfall in Nova Scotia, flooding roads and fanning anxiety in a region still reeling from wildfires and severe flooding this summer.
The province's largest airport, Halifax Stanfield International, cancelled all flights.
"People are exhausted. ... It's so much in such a small time period," said Pam Lovelace, a councilor in Halifax.
The storm was so big that it caused power outages several hundred miles from its center. At midday Saturday, 11 per cent of electricity customers in Maine lacked power, along with 27 per cent of Nova Scotia, 8 per cent of New Brunswick and 3 per cent of Prince Edward Island.
Hurricane-force winds extended as far as 140 miles from Lee's center, with tropical storm-force winds extending as far as 320 miles — enough to cover all of Maine and much of Maritime Canada.
Strong winds batter Nova Scotia
06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Motorist killed after storm Lee makes landfall
05:49 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
A 51-year-old motorist in Searsport, Maine, died after a large tree limb fell on his vehicle Saturday on US Highway 1 during a period of high winds, the first fatality attributed to the storm.
The tree limb brought down live power lines, and utility workers had to cut power before the man could be removed, said Police chief Brian Lunt. The unidentified man died later at a hospital, he said.
05:00 , Kelly Rissman
FEMA will deploy help to the East Coast
FEMA and the Biden-Harris Administration are prepared and prepositioned to support needs that may arise. FEMA is working closely with other federal agencies and non-profit organizations to coordinate a whole-of-community response to serve residents and communities in the potentially affected areas.FEMA deployed three Incident Management Assistance Teams, with additional teams ready to support, and Urban Search and Rescue teams are in the region to help with rescues, if needed.The American Red Cross has prepositioned staff across Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and is prepared to provide shelter, if necessary. The Salvation Army has personnel and supplies prepared, including its “canteen” truck that provides water, comfort and hot meals for 1,200 to 2,500 people.
04:00 , Kelly Rissman
Restoring power in Maine could take days
Central Maine Power told WMTV that restoration could be a “multi-day event,” and could take until Monday and extend to Tuesday.
John Breed from CMP told the outlet: “Right now, we are making every effort to get power back on because we understand there are consequences beyond just sitting in the dark.”
Earlier on Saturday, there were nearly 60,000 reports of CMP customers without power.
03:00 , Kelly Rissman
Lee has been a long time in the making
Post-Tropical Cyclone #Lee has officially made landfall in Nova Scotia with sustained winds of 70 MPH (tropical storm strength). This comes 11 days after the system first emerged as a tropical depression in the Atlantic. pic.twitter.com/siOmI6Yobs
— Tucker Antico (@tuckerweather) September 16, 2023
02:00 , Kelly Rissman
Lee brings a rainbow
A Weather Channel correspondent posted a photo of a rainbow in Portland, Maine as the heavy rains hit the coast.
As #Lee pushes away from the Maine coast, a full rainbow appeared off Portland. Beautiful. Our team continues live coverage on @weatherchannel Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/J6X7MiecWX
— Justin Michaels (@JMichaelsNews) September 16, 2023
01:00 , Kelly Rissman
The forecast for the next few days...
According to the National Hurricane Center’s 5pm advisory:
A faster northeastward motion is expected during the next day or so, taking the system across the Canadian Maritimes. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph (110 km/h) with higher gusts. Steady weakening is forecast during the next couple of days.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 320 miles (520 km) from the center.
An observing site in Halifax, Canada, reported a sustained wind of 52 mph (83 km/h) and a gust to 60 mph (96 km/h).
An observation in Vinal Haven, Maine, reported a sustained wind of 44 mph (71 km/h). Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 320 miles (520 km) from the center.
Sunday 17 September 2023 00:00 , Kelly Rissman
Many Maine residents are without power
Shortly after Lee made landfall, nearly 60,000 residents had reported power outages.
Central Maine Power urged locals “to stay away from power lines” and said to notify them by phone or through their website if an outage occurs.
We’re urging our customers to use caution when traveling during this storm and to stay away from power lines. These images from Rockland show the extent of damage our crews are seeing today. Falling trees present serious hazards. No one was believed to be injured in these photos. pic.twitter.com/5RKezoQAU1
— Central Maine Power (@cmpco) September 16, 2023
Saturday 16 September 2023 23:00 , Kelly Rissman
Lee touches down Hurricane Lee made landfall in Western Novia Scotia on Saturday afternoonThe maximum sustained winds were whipping at 70mph, as of 4pm when the storm made landfall.
Since Saturday morning, hurricane-force winds, heavy rains, and coastal flooding have affected regions along the east coast. The National Hurricane Center said at 8am on Saturday that the maximum sustained winds reached 80mph.
Read the full story:
Saturday 16 September 2023 22:30 , Kelly Rissman
A view of the storm
LEE LANDFALL: Post-Tropical Cyclone #Lee made landfall in Nova Scotia around 4 pm Eastern Daylight Time. Maximum sustained winds were estimated to be 70 mph at landfall.https://t.co/vQqaJi7nk5#ncwx #WeatherOnThe1s pic.twitter.com/SqLTxDE23z
— Tom Meiners (@tommeinerstv) September 16, 2023
Saturday 16 September 2023 22:00 , Kelly Rissman
An update from the National Hurricane Center
As of 5pm, just an hour after Lee made landfall, here are the watches and warnings still in effect
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
Cape Elizabeth northward to the U.S./Canada border
New Brunswick from the U.S./Canada border to Belledune, including Grand Manan Island
All of Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Magdalen Islands
Saturday 16 September 2023 21:40 , Kelly Rissman
FEMA sends warning about Lee
“The strong winds are likely to lead to downed trees and power outages. For those in the path of the storm, do not underestimate the power of this storm.”
We urge those in the path of Post-Tropical Cyclone #Lee to remain vigilant as flooding, strong winds, & power outages continue across New England.
FEMA and the Biden-Harris Administration are prepared and prepositioned to support any needs that arise.
➡️ https://t.co/E7cmRdcj0Y pic.twitter.com/jSydD2i5Uc— FEMA (@fema) September 16, 2023
Lee makes landfall in Nova Scotia
Saturday 16 September 2023 21:18 , Megan Sheets
Storm Lee made landfall in Nova Scotia, Canada, as a post-tropical cyclone on Saturday afternoon at around 4pm, the National Hurricane Center announced.
It is said to have maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110kmph).
Post-Tropical Cyclone #Lee made landfall in Nova Scotia around 4 pm AST. See below for details. pic.twitter.com/BEWSR6VNfD
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2023
Saturday 16 September 2023 21:00 , Kelly Rissman
A meteorologist weighs in
Robert Grove, a meteorologist for ECCC Weather Newfoundland and Labrador, predicted on X that Lee would make landfall in Yarmouth County “within the next couple of hours.”
By the looks of latest satellite imagery, it looks like #Lee has made that NE turn and should make landfall in Yarmouth county within the next couple of hours.#NSStorm https://t.co/024RyeyQgV pic.twitter.com/Q1jrxnaP8e
— Robert Grove (@robertgwx) September 16, 2023
Saturday 16 September 2023 20:30 , Kelly Rissman
Lee has already caused problems — even before making landfall
A CTV Atlantic reporter captured some of the devastation already caused by the post-tropical cyclone in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Tree down in Southend Halifax which has brought down power lines. Right now over 30,000 people are without power in the city. #HurricaneLee @CTVAtlantic pic.twitter.com/El8UhJYAjN
— Hafsa Arif (@_HafsaArif) September 16, 2023
Saturday 16 September 2023 20:00 , Kelly Rissman
Post-tropical cyclone Lee is “very near” western Nova Scotia
The National Hurricane Center issued another update at 2pm, writing that the storm is just 80 miles from Eastport, Maine and 150 miles from Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The maximum sustained winds are moving at 70mph.
The center of Lee is forecast to “make landfall in Atlantic Canada later this afternoon,” and is expected “to be near hurricane strength” when it touches down, the hurricane center wrote.
Saturday 16 September 2023 19:40 , Kelly Rissman
The calm before the storm
As post-tropical cyclone Lee threatens to hit the East Coast and Canada, some appreciated the beautiful sunset ahead of the storm on Friday night.
Hurricane Lee is providing an incredible sunset on Monhegan Island, Maine.#mewx #hurricanelee pic.twitter.com/1PrK6As54n
— Benjamin Williamson (@photographmaine) September 15, 2023
Saturday 16 September 2023 19:20 , Kelly Rissman
The forecasted timeline
Saturday morning: Heavy rains and strong winds are already affecting some regions in New England and Canada —hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings are in effect
Saturday afternoon: The storm is expected to make landfall as soon as “in the next few hours,” according to the National Hurricane Center director.
Saturday night: Lee is expected to move across the border into Canada tonight
Saturday 16 September 2023 18:59 , Kelly Rissman
Massachusetts lifts states of emergency
I’m relieved that the impacts of Hurricane Lee have been minimal across Massachusetts, so we’re lifting the states of emergency declared earlier this week.
I’m grateful for residents and public safety officials who have been responding to and preparing for severe weather and…— Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) September 16, 2023
Saturday 16 September 2023 18:45 , Kelly Rissman
A message from Maine’s Governor
MEMA warns that high winds from the storm, combined with full canopy trees and saturated ground, will result in downed trees. Avoid being on the roads if you can. If you must travel, avoid driving around downed trees or over downed wires and obey road closure signs and barriers. https://t.co/SEqgjzTblY
— Governor Janet Mills (@GovJanetMills) September 16, 2023
Saturday 16 September 2023 18:30 , Kelly Rissman
President Biden Approves Massachusetts Emergency Declaration
Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that an emergency exists in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and ordered Federal assistance to supplement Commonwealth, tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Lee from September 15 to September 17, 2023.
The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all 14 Massachusetts counties.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures (Category B), limited to direct Federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care, including evacuation and sheltering support, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding.Mr. E. Craig Levy, Sr. of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Saturday 16 September 2023 18:07 , Kelly Rissman
Maine lobstermen trying to rescue damaged boat as storm threatens
VIDEO: Maine lobstermen taking a skiff to try and rescue a lobster boat damaged from #Lee in Bar Harbor
The waves and wind are relentless against the little skiff, but they’re desperate to protect their livelihood
📸@amlikethewind for @NBCNews pic.twitter.com/48C9trldfF— Marissa Parra NBC (@MarParNews) September 16, 2023
Saturday 16 September 2023 17:15 , Kelly Rissman
Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee Causes Power Problems
In parts of Canada, residents are already suffering from power outages. On Saturday, over 100,000 people in Nova Scotia and over 40,000 in New Brunswick were dealing with no power.
“Crews have been able to restore power to some customers ... however, conditions are getting worse. In many cases, especially when winds are above 80 km/h, it isn’t safe for our crews,” said Matt Drover of the Nova Scotia electric utility told Reuters.
Saturday 16 September 2023 16:44 , Kelly Rissman
An update from National Hurricane Center Director Dr Michael Brennan
Dr Brennan said that eastern Maine, southwestern Nova Scotia, and southern New Brunswick are likely to be impacted first — as soon as “in the next few hours.”
While the storm has been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, Dr Brennan said that the storm still has “hurricane-force winds,” with some areas experiencing gusts from 50-90mph, depending on the area’s elevation.
He warned residents of Maine to “stay inside” for the next few hours or for the rest of the day, if possible.
Dr Brennan added that some areas are already experiencing “significant power outages.”
Watch the full update here.
Saturday 16 September 2023 16:11 , Kelly Rissman
National Hurricane 11am Advisory
The center of Lee is forecast “to make landfall near or just east of the U.S./Canada border this afternoon. Lee is then expected to turn toward the northeast and move across Atlantic Canada tonight and Sunday,” the National Hurricane Center predicted.
It’s expected to “to be at or just below hurricane strength” when it makes landfall later today, and is supposed to weaken throughout the weekend.
Winds have lessened a bit from earlier this morning, and are now moving at 75mph as the storm is just 105 miles from Eastport, Maine.
“Environment Canada has upgraded the Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning for Prince Edward Island, Magdalen Islands, and portions of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,” the advisory wrote. “The Tropical Storm Warning has been discontinued from Westport, RI to Portsmouth, NH, including Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.”
Saturday 16 September 2023 15:45 , Kelly Rissman
Footage from Nova Scotia
Meteorologist Reed Timmer captured the storm scene from Baccaro Point lighthouse in Novia Scotia.
Live update from Baccaro Point lighthouse with powerful post-tropical cyclone Lee approaching with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. Watch out for flying donair. Over 60,000 power outages in Nova Scotia already. @accuweather pic.twitter.com/gz5ZrwdvPt
— Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerAccu) September 16, 2023
Saturday 16 September 2023 15:14 , Kelly Rissman
Millions under storm watch as Lee threatens to hit the east coast
Millions are under storm watch as Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee is forecast to brush the New England coast before making landfall later Saturday in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, which along with New Brunswick will see the brunt of it.
But Lee’s effects were expected to be felt over an immense area. The National Hurricane Center predicted hurricane-force winds extending more than 100 miles (161 kilometers) from Lee’s center with lesser but still dangerous tropical storm-force gusts up to 345 miles (555 kilometers) miles outward.
Saturday 16 September 2023 14:45 , Kelly Rissman
According to an 8am advisory from the National Hurricane Centre...
A hurricane watch is in effect for:
New Brunswick from the U.S./Canada border to Point Lepreau, including Grand Manan Island
Nova Scotia from Digby to Ecum Secum
A tropical storm warning is in effect for:
Westport Massachusetts northward to the U.S./Canada border
Martha’s Vineyard
Nantucket
New Brunswick from the U.S./Canada border to Fort Lawrence, including Grand Manan Island
New Brunswick from Shediac to Tidnish
Nova Scotia from Fort Lawrence to Point Tupper
Saturday 16 September 2023 14:15 , Kelly Rissman
Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee is expected to make landfall on Saturday
Post-Tropical Cyclone #Lee Advisory 44A: Lee Expected to Make Landfall Later Today. Strong Winds, Coastal Flooding, and Heavy Rains Already Occurring in Portions of New England and Atlantic Canada. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 16, 2023
Hurricane Lee expected to be a ‘large and dangerous storm’ when it reaches New England and Atlantic Canada
Saturday 16 September 2023 14:00 , Graig Graziosi
The National Hurricane Centre warned on Friday that Hurricane Lee would arrive in New England and Atlantic Canada as a “large and dangerous storm.”
The centre reported on Friday that Hurricane Lee was continuing to move further away from Bermuda and closer to New England and Atlantic Canada.
The storm is expected to bring hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 105mph(165km/h) with tropical storm-force winds extending outward up to 320 miles (520km) when it reaches eastern New England and the Canadian Maritime Provinces.
Sinkhole swallows cars in wake of Massachusetts flooding in Massachusetts
Saturday 16 September 2023 13:00 , Graig Graziosi
A trio of cars were left dangling on the edges of a sinkhole outside a dealership in Massachusetts following severe flooding in the area earlier this week.
The sinkhole opened up in the city of Leominster after heavy rains destabilised the ground and opened up a 15-foot deep chasm.
Public works crews expressed concerns that the flood and subsequent sinkhole might have weakened the foundation of a home near the affected area. The couple living in the house were forced to leave on Monday night.
READ MORE
Sinkhole swallows cars in wake of devastating flooding in Massachusetts
WATCH: Hurricane Lee leaves a fingerprint on the Outer Banks
Saturday 16 September 2023 12:00 , Graig Graziosi
Lee downgraded to ‘post-tropical’ storm
Saturday 16 September 2023 11:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Storm Lee has become a post-tropical cyclone as it approaches Nova Scotia but it is still producing hurricane-force winds, the US National Hurricane Center said on Saturday.
According to the 5am update, winds were still gusting at 8mph.
Storm Lee is about 220 miles from Eastport, Maine and 230 miles from Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is moving north-northeast at the speed of 25 mph.
Earth is outside its ‘safe operating space for humanity’ on most key measurements, study says
Saturday 16 September 2023 11:00 , Graig Graziosi
Earth is exceeding its “safe operating space for humanity” in six of nine key measurements of its health and two of the remaining three are headed in the wrong direction, a new study has said.
Earth’s climate, biodiversity, land, freshwater, nutrient pollution and “novel” chemicals (human-made compounds like microplastics and nuclear waste) are all out of whack, a group of international scientists said in the journal Science Advances.
Only the acidity of the oceans, the health of the air and the ozone layer are within the boundaries considered safe and both ocean and air pollution are heading in the wrong direction, the study said.
“We are in very bad shape,” said study co-author Johan Rockstrom, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany.
“We show in this analysis that the planet is losing resilience and the patient is sick.”
Read more
Earth is outside its ‘safe operating space for humanity’, study says
Hurricane Lee projected to make landfall in Nova Scotia
Saturday 16 September 2023 10:40 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Hurricane Lee is projected to make landfall in Nova Scotia sometime after 3pm ADT or perhaps later in New Brunswick with winds below hurricane force, according to the Canadian Hurricane Center.
The potential path could take the storm right into the Bay of Fundy, which separates the two provinces and has one of the highest tides in the world, with the difference between high and low tide as much as 12 metres.
The US National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for hundreds of miles of coastline from Massachusetts to Nova Scotia, affecting some nine million people.
“We encourage all of those in the path of this large and dangerous storm to remain alert,” the White House said as president Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration for Maine.
The enormity of Hurricane Lee on display thanks to satellite photos
Saturday 16 September 2023 10:00 , Graig Graziosi
Hurricane Lee latest update
Saturday 16 September 2023 09:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Hurricane Lee was located about 250 miles south-southeast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, according to the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory.
It was gusting at a speed of 80mph on its path that could lead to landfall in Nova Scotia, possibly as a tropical storm.
“On the forecast track, the center of Lee will continue to approach the coast of New England and Atlantic Canada through Saturday,” the hurricane centre said.
“Lee is then expected to turn toward the north-northeast and northeast and move across Atlantic Canada Saturday night and Sunday.”
Tropical Depression 15 likely to become Hurricane Nigel in coming days
Saturday 16 September 2023 09:00 , Graig Graziosi
The National Hurricane Centre said Tropical Depression 15, which formed Friday morning in the Atlantic Ocean, would likely become Hurricane Nigel, and had the potential to develop into a major storm in the coming days.
The storm is expected to stay out at sea — much like Hurricane Margot, which is still churning in the Atlantic — the storm is the third hurricane in as many weaks to spin up.
“Through September 13, the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is above average for all tropical cyclone parameters that we track at Colorado State University,” hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach tweeted earlier this week.
Biden approves emergency declaration for Main ahead of Hurricane Lee landfall
Saturday 16 September 2023 08:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
President Joe Biden on Friday approved the emergency in Main as Hurrican Lee approached the north-eastern part of the country.
About seven million people are now under tropical storm warnings across New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.“I thank President Biden for his swift approval of my request for an Emergency Disaster Declaration, which will give us access to additional resources as we work to keep Maine people safe during this storm,” said Maine governor Janet Mills.
“I continue to strongly urge all Maine people, especially those Down East, to take the necessary precautions to stay safe as Hurricane Lee moves closer.”
The president’s approval authorises the federal department of homeland security and emergency management agency to coordinate all disaster relief efforts.
Saturday 16 September 2023 08:00 , Graig Graziosi
How hard will Hurricane Lee hit New England?
Well, the cold North Atlantic may decide that.
New England is known for its fickle weather, powerful nor’easters and blizzards.
Destructive hurricanes, however, are relatively rare and typically don’t pack the same punch as tropical cyclones that hit the southeast.
Here’s why the geography matters when it comes to Lee’s likely impact on the region.
READ MORE
How hard will Hurricane Lee hit New England? The cold North Atlantic may decide that
East Coast states prepare for Lee landfall
Saturday 16 September 2023 07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Massachusetts governor Maura Healey joined Maine in declaring a state of emergency and asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to issue a pre-disaster emergency declaration.
She also activated up to 50 National Guard members to help with storm preparations, including operating highwater vehicles to respond to flooded areas.
“As we’ve seen in recent weeks, severe weather is not to be taken lightly. Flooding, wind damage, downed trees, tree limbs — all these things create real hazards and problems for people,” Ms Healey said.
East Hampton, New York, barred swimming and, in at least some places, even walking on beaches because of dangerous surf.
Caution tape was strung up along the edge of the sand at the tony second-home community’s picturesque Main Beach, where waves already were roiling Friday afternoon, News12 Long Island reported.
In Rhode Island, governor Dan McKee said crews were working to secure the iconic 11-foot-tall “Independent Man” statue atop the State House dome. Workers wanted to safeguard the 500-pound statue against the storm’s wind and rain after a drone recently captured footage showing damage to the base.
In Maine, where people are accustomed to damaging winter nor’easters, some brushed aside the coming Lee as something akin to those storms only without the snow.
“We fear nor’easters up here more than the remnants of a tropical storm,” Andrea Silverthorne, who works in reception and reservations at the Inn on the Wharf in Lubec, Maine’s easternmost town, told the Associated Press.
Saturday 16 September 2023 07:00 , Graig Graziosi
Hurricane Lee to strike weather-worn New England after heavy rain, flooding and tornadoes
After a deluge of rain, flooding, sinkholes and tornadoes this week, New England is about to face Hurricane Lee.
As the Category 1 system impacted Bermuda, Maine was under its first hurricane watch in 15 years and a state of emergency declared Thursday by state governor Janet Mills. The water-logged region prepared for 20ft waves offshore and winds of up to 80mph, along with more rain.
The hurricane watch applied to eastern Maine, while the rest of the state and an area extending south through Massachusetts was under a tropical storm warning. Powerful winds and coastal flooding were expected to arrive on Friday afternoon in southern New England and spread north.
Although Lee did not contribute to the flooding that hit New England earlier in the week, it threatened to exacerbate conditions in a region that is already waterlogged.
The Coast Guard and emergency management agencies warned New England residents to be prepared, and utility companies brought in reinforcements to deal with any power outages.
Read more:
Hurricane Lee to strike weather-worn New England after heavy rain, flooding and tornadoes
Canadian PM convenes meeting to discuss Hurricane Lee
Saturday 16 September 2023 06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Prime minister Justin Trudeau on Friday convened the incident response group, which meets only to discuss events with major implications for Canada.
Consisting of Cabinet ministers and senior officials, it was previously convened over events including the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and the record wildfire season this year.
Ian Hubbard, a meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Hurricane Centre, told the Associated Press that Lee won’t be anywhere near the severity of the remnants of Hurricane Fiona, which washed houses into the ocean, knocked out power to most of two provinces and swept a woman into the sea a year ago.
But it was still a dangerous storm. Kyle Leavitt, director of the New Brunswick Emergency Management Organization, urged residents to stay home, saying, “nothing good can come from checking out the big waves and how strong the wind truly is”.
Hurricane Lee in images: A surfer takes advantage of waves produced by the storm
Saturday 16 September 2023 06:00 , Graig Graziosi
Surfers in New York and New England took their boards out one last time on Friday before Hurricane Lee arrives in the region on Saturday.
Saturday 16 September 2023 16:53 , Kelly Rissman
Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee Causing Power OutagesIn Nova Scotia, over 130,000 people were without power on Saturday, while in New Brunswick over 40,000 people were dealing with power outages.
“Crews have been able to restore power to some customers ... however, conditions are getting worse. In many cases, especially when winds are above 80 km/h, it isn’t safe for our crews,” said Matt Drover of the Nova Scotia electric utility told Reuters.
WATCH: Maritimers buckle down for Hurricane Lee
Saturday 16 September 2023 04:59 , Graig Graziosi
Residents of Canada’s Maritime Providences prepared Friday for Hurricane Lee, which is expected to make landfall on Saturday afternoon.
Watch how they prepare for the storm below.
Coastal Maine could see 15-feet high waves due to Hurricane Lee
Saturday 16 September 2023 04:33 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The storm is projected to be more than 400 miles wide with tropical-storm-force winds when it reaches land, creating worries of power outages in Maine, the nation's most heavily forested state, where the ground is saturated and trees are weakened from heavy summer rains.
Lee remained a hurricane with 80mph winds at night as it headed toward New England and eastern Canada with 20-foot ocean swells, strong winds and rain.
Forecasters said there would be winds topping 40mph across the region, with peak winds reaching upward of 65mph ahead of landfall expected today.
While landfall was projected for nearby Nova Scotia, the Category 1 system was big enough to cause concerns over a wide area even if it weakens to a tropical storm.
Parts of coastal Maine could see waves up to 15-feet high crashing down, causing erosion and damage, and the strong gusts will cause power outages, said Louise Fode, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Maine.
As much as 5 inches of rain was forecast for eastern Maine, where a flash flood watch was in effect.
NOAA model shows Hurricane Lee’s predicted trajectory
Saturday 16 September 2023 04:00 , Graig Graziosi
The NOAA has released a new trajectory model showing the predicted path Hurricane Lee will take when it makes landfall near the US and Canadian borders on Saturday.
Hurricane Lee is a Category 1 storm, and is expected to bring high winds and strong storm surges to the region.
How hard will Hurricane Lee hit New England?
Saturday 16 September 2023 03:49 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
New England is known for its fickle weather, powerful nor’easters and blizzards. Destructive hurricanes, however, are relatively rare and typically don’t pack the same punch as tropical cyclones that hit the Southeast.
New England, in the crosshairs of Hurricane Lee, is usually protected from the worst of a hurricane’s wrath by the cold waters of the North Atlantic, and that’s expected to help reduce Lee to a tropical storm by the time it arrives by today morning
A number of factors determine the path and strength of a hurricane. But the warm waters that can strengthen a hurricane are typically south of Cape Cod. North of there, the Atlantic waters are much colder
More here.
How hard will Hurricane Lee hit New England? The cold North Atlantic may decide that
More than 3 million people under hurricane or tropical storm watches
Saturday 16 September 2023 03:00 , Graig Graziosi
More than 3 million people between New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces are under either tropical storm or hurricane watches as Hurricane Lee moves closer to landfall.
The hurricane is expected to make landfall on Saturday afternoon.
The storm is forecast to produce winds of up to 75mph (121km/h) in the affected region.
CBS News senior weather and climate producer David Parkinson predicted that the Maritime Provinces would see the worst of the storm, but noted that 15 foot waves would likely batter New England as the storm moves through.
‘Today is the last day to prepare’ warns meteorologist as Hurricane Lee closes in on New England
Saturday 16 September 2023 02:00 , Graig Graziosi
Stephanie Abrams, a meteorologist with The Weather Channel, warned residents of New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces that today was the “last day to prepare” before Hurricane Lee arrives with strong winds, 2 to 4 inches (50-100ml) of rain, and signficant storm surges.
“Today is the last day to preparshe told CBS Mornings on Friday. “Conditions go downhill tonight, and tomorrow, Lee will be battering parts of New England. The strongest winds are expected to be along the coast.”
Hurricane Lee is expected to make landfall on Saturday afternoon.
WATCH: Hurricane Lee and travel impacts
Saturday 16 September 2023 01:00 , Graig Graziosi
Nasa reveals how much hotter 2023 summer was than average
Saturday 16 September 2023 00:00 , Graig Graziosi
Warming seas, caused by the fossil fuel-driven climate criss, have helped to produce more severe hurricanes in recent years.
As Hurricane Lee closes in on New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces, NASA has marked 2023 as the hottest year on record, The Independent’s Stuti Mishra reports.
Earth recorded its hottest summer on record this year, data from the American space agency Nasa and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) confirmed in new maps that reveal how quickly the world is heating up.
The last three months had the hottest summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the warmest winter in the Southern Hemisphere, Nasa and Noaa said on Wednesday in a release.
READ MORE
This was the hottest summer ever recorded on Earth, Nasa map reveals
Rhode Island works to secure “Independent Man” statue atop the capitol before Hurricane Lee arrives
Friday 15 September 2023 23:00 , Graig Graziosi
Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island told the Associated Press that crews were working to secure the state’s iconic 11-foot-tall “Independent Man” statue above the State House dome on Friday before Hurricane Lee’s winds blow in on Saturday.
The 500-pound statue was shored up against the storm’s rain and winds.
Crews work atop the Rhode Island State House to secure the “Independent Man” statue and its base, revealed by drone footage to be “separating” from the dome. This was not part of the exterior restoration work, says @GovDanMcKee - cost is yet to be determined. -SK #WPRO pic.twitter.com/Oc9GXJXCmH
— NewsTalk 99.7 & AM 630 WPRO (@wpro) September 15, 2023
Beaches close ahead of Hurricane Lee
Friday 15 September 2023 22:00 , Graig Graziosi
East Hampton, New York, shuttered its beaches on Friday ahead of Hurricane Lee.
Swimming — and in some cases even walking — at the beach was prohibited due to the dangerous surf rolling in as a result of the storm.
Local officials put up caution tape along the sand at Main Beach to ward off any last minute swimmers before the storm’s effects are felt in full, accoridng to News12 Long Island.
Rough surf spotted off the coast of North Carolina as Hurricane Lee makes it way north
Friday 15 September 2023 21:47 , Graig Graziosi
An X/Twitter user captured video of rough surf off the coast of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, stirred up by the churning of Hurricane Lee.
The storm is barreling north, where it is expected to make landfall on Saturday near the US-Canada border.
Surfers in New England and the Maritime Provinces have taken advantage of the 10 to 15 foot waves produced by the storm, but local emergency officials have warned that residents should seek shleter before the storm arrives in earnest late tomorrow afternoon.
This is the inlet at Wrightsville Beach North Carolina! The back of Hurricane Lee is packing a wallop as the tough surf crashes into the jetty🌊 The coastline is taking a beating with significant beach erosion! #HurricaneLee pic.twitter.com/vOIBhZOCyS
— 💙Rocco DiBari💙 (@G12Rocco) September 15, 2023
Canadian Prime Minister calls incident response group as Canadian residents warned to stay home
Friday 15 September 2023 21:19 , Graig Graziosi
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened the nation’s incident response group on Friday ahead of Hurricane Lee.
The group consists of Cabinet ministers and senior officials, and is only convened ahead of or in response to events with major implications for the nation.
The storm is expected to bring 2 to 4 inches of rain to New England and the Canadian Maritime Provinces as well as high winds and substantial storm surges.
Residents in Canada were urged not to let curiosity get the best of them and instead stay inside and safe during the storm.
“Nothing good can come from checking out the big waves and how strong the wind truly is,” Kyle Leavitt, director of the New Brunswick Emergency Management Organization, said Friday, according to the Associated Press.
WATCH: North Carolina prepares for Hurricane Lee
Friday 15 September 2023 21:00 , Graig Graziosi
Utility workers pour into New England as residents pull out ahead of Hurricane Lee
Friday 15 September 2023 20:38 , Graig Graziosi
Utility workers poured into New England on Friday in preparation for Hurricane Lee’s landfall on Saturday. The outer rain bands are already approaching the region, and forecasters have predicted high winds could topple powerlines and cause outages when the storm arrives.
At the same time, residents in coastal communities like Bar Harbor, Maine are pulling out of the area ahead of the storm. Mariners are returning home and many have reportedly been pulling their boats out of marinas in anticipation of storm surges resulting from the hurricane, according to the Associated Press.
Hurricane Lee’s outer rain bands are approaching New England
Friday 15 September 2023 20:13 , Graig Graziosi
The outer rain bands of Hurricane Lee are on their way to New England as the storm barrels towards the east coast of the US and Canada.
The hurricane is expected to dump between 2 and 4 inches (50-100ml) of rain in eastern Maine, western Nova Scotia, and portions of New Brunswick.
The percipitation — following on the heels of a previous storm system that rolled over the region — could produce small stream and localised flooding in the region.
Hurricane Lee expected to be a ‘large and dangerous storm’ when it reaches New England and Atlantic Canada
Friday 15 September 2023 19:41 , Graig Graziosi
The National Hurricane Centre warned on Friday that Hurricane Lee would arrive in New England and Atlantic Canada as a “large and dangerous storm.”
The centre reported on Friday that Hurricane Lee was continuing to move further away from Bermuda and closer to New England and Atlantic Canada.
The storm is expected to bring hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 105mph(165km/h) with tropical storm-force winds extending outward up to 320 miles (520km) when it reaches eastern New England and the Canadian Maritime Provinces.
Satellite images capture the first bands of Hurricane Lee moving across New England and Maritime Provinces
Friday 15 September 2023 18:59 , Graig Graziosi
The GOESEast satellite captured images of Hurricane Lee’s bands moving across New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces on Friday.
Both Maine and Massachusetts have issued states of emergency, with the latter activating its National Guard in preparation for the storm’s landfall on Saturday.
#GOESEast has been capturing absolutely stunning imagery of Hurricane #Lee today. That cirrus shield though .... pic.twitter.com/j3xMZGVbxB
— UW-Madison CIMSS (@UWCIMSS) September 15, 2023
New NOAA shows Hurricane Lee’s predicted trajectory
Friday 15 September 2023 18:30 , Graig Graziosi
The NOAA has released a new trajectory model showing the predicted path Hurricane Lee will take when it makes landfall near the US and Canadian borders on Saturday.
Hurricane Lee is a Category 1 storm, and is expected to bring high winds and strong storm surges to the region.
Massachusetts declares state of emergency
Friday 15 September 2023 18:16 , Graig Graziosi
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has declared a state of emergency and has activated the National Guard ahead of Hurricane Lee’s arrival in the region later this evening.
The storm is continuing its push north in the Atlantic Ocean. Forecasters believe that the eastern edge of the storm will brush Cape Cod and coastal Massachusetts on its way toward the easternmost Canadian provinces.
Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Cape Cod, the Islands, and coastal Massachusetts. Wind speeds are predicted to reach up to 60mph (97km/h) on Saturday.
The National Weather Service said heavy rains are not anticipated for that region.
