Hurricane Lee, a powerful Category 3 storm, is currently positioned hundreds of miles east of the Caribbean. Despite being far from the US mainland, forecasters are predicting that the storm may have an impact on the US Atlantic seaboard as early as this weekend. Parts of the US should brace themselves for dangerous coastal conditions, including rip currents and large waves, starting from Sunday.
Caribbean islands in the storm’s path are also expected to bear the brunt of Lee’s fury as it moves west-northwest through the Atlantic. What makes Lee particularly noteworthy is that it reached Category 5 strength, a level of intensity achieved by only 2% of Atlantic storms since 1924. In fact, Lee’s rapid intensification tied with Hurricane Matthew as the third-fastest in the history of the Atlantic.
The development of a Category 5 hurricane demands the perfect combination of warm water, moist air, and light upper-level winds. Lee’s intensification was aided by above-normal sea-surface temperatures in the Atlantic, a trend that has become more common in the last decade. This raises concerns about the frequency and intensity of such storms in the future.
However, the storm’s potential impact on the US will be determined by atmospheric factors such as the Bermuda High’s strength and the position of the jet stream. If the jet stream sets up along the East Coast, it may act as a barrier and prevent Lee from approaching the coast. Conversely, if the high pressure remains strong and the jet stream sets up farther inland, portions of the East Coast could be vulnerable to a closer approach from Lee.
At this point, the exact track of Hurricane Lee and its potential impact on the US remains uncertain and will only become clearer in the coming days. Residents on the US Atlantic seaboard should stay informed and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities. Jala News will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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