The National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Lee, which is currently in the center of the Atlantic Ocean. storm, forecaster sayswill “intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane by Saturday.”
While it’s still far from the U.S. coast, meteorologists say it should continue to move westward and could affect Florida or the East Coast. However, forecasters noted that the storm could turn out to sea, depending on wind turning patterns.
“Interests in the Caribbean and along the East Coast from Florida to Maine need to keep a close eye on Lee,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said. “Depending on the path the system takes, the estimated time frame for potential impacts to the United States and Atlantic Canada could be September 13-16.”
Lee is forecast to become a Category 3 hurricane by Saturday morning and a possible Category 4 storm by Sunday.
“The National Hurricane Center’s intensity forecast is near the upper guidance limit and calls for Lee to reach Category 4 intensity within two to three days,” the hurricane center said in its latest update.
Whether or not the storm hits the U.S. coast, it could lead to stronger surf and dangerous rip currents.Florida Department of Emergency Management officials said they don’t worry now Lee “does not pose an immediate threat to Florida for at least the next 7-10 days,” but the system should continue to be monitored.
Hurricane season typically peaks in mid-September, with the most Category 4 and 5 storms.
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