The uncertain path of Hurricane Lee has increased the risk of widespread power outages and flooding in parts of eastern Massachusetts and Maine. With wind speeds of 115 miles per hour, Lee is a Category 3 major hurricane and is currently located about 475 miles south-southwest of Bermuda. According to meteorologist Rob Carolan, the storm is expected to move northward, passing along the western side of New England before making landfall somewhere between Eastport, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia early on Sunday.
The forecast for Lee's track and its potential impact has been changing in the past few days, with some models including Boston and eastern Massachusetts as potential targets while others suggest they will be spared. Carolan predicts that this back-and-forth pattern will continue. However, he warns that widespread power outages are likely, particularly in southeastern Massachusetts and eastern Maine.
In anticipation of Lee's arrival, heavy rain is expected to fall across parts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. Flood watches have been issued for these areas through Thursday. Additionally, strong winds will pick up in Boston and southern New England on Friday, before reaching Maine and the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Margot continues to churn in the central Atlantic, and there is an 80% chance that a new storm will develop in the same basin later in the week.
In other weather news, Libya has been devastated by a severe storm along its northeastern coast, leading to a death toll of at least 5,000 with many more missing. In Europe, an autumnal heat wave is expected to persist into next week, accompanied by violent thunderstorms from northern Germany to Italy. Sydney, Australia experienced high levels of air pollution due to planned hazard reduction burns in national parks, ranking it among the top five most polluted cities in the world for air quality.
As Lee's track remains uncertain, it is crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay informed about the storm's developments and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.