Tropical Storm Lee is currently brewing in the central tropical Atlantic and is predicted to undergo “explosive intensification” into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane by the upcoming weekend. As it continues on a west-northwest trajectory, experts are closely monitoring its path.
The storm is forecasted to track just north of the Lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico this weekend. Computer models unanimously project that the storm will escalate into a major Category 4 or even Category 5 hurricane due to favorable atmospheric conditions and warm ocean waters.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) raised its intensity forecast, anticipating the storm’s evolution from a tropical depression earlier this week.
As of Wednesday morning, Lee’s maximum sustained winds had reached nearly 70 mph with higher gusts. It is expected to become a hurricane on Wednesday and reach major hurricane status by Friday.
The NHC is keeping a vigilant eye on the storm’s path, emphasizing that even though the current forecast shows it remaining north of the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico, caution should not be disregarded.
Forecast discussions online noted that it’s too early to precisely determine the storm’s proximity to the Leeward Islands due to the inherent track forecast uncertainties.
Lee is predicted to traverse over record-warm waters with temperatures of at least 86°F east of the Lesser Antilles.
This conducive environment, along with other factors, is likely to lead to rapid intensification and place the hurricane at the high end of the Saffir-Simpson intensity scale.
The Hurricane Center stated, “There is high confidence that Lee will be a powerful hurricane late this week and over the weekend.”
Looking ahead, the forecast becomes less certain beyond five days. Most reliable computer models suggest that the storm will slow down, shift northward, and then northeastward, away from the U.S. mainland. A cold front moving across the East Coast could contribute to this trajectory.
Nonetheless, the timing and position of these weather features are subject to change, possibly altering the storm’s path. While it remains approximately a week away from potentially impacting the U.S. mainland, preparations and continuous monitoring are essential in case the situation evolves.
In conclusion, Tropical Storm Lee is expected to intensify significantly, potentially becoming a powerful Category 4 hurricane. While its current path is projected to avoid significant impacts on the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared for any shifts in its trajectory as the storm develops further.
