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Atlantic Storm Lee Unleashes Damaging Winds and Surf on Maritime Canada and New England; One Fatality Confirmed in Maine

by Gabriel Martinez
10 comments
Atlantic Storm Lee Impact on New England and Maritime Canada

Atlantic Storm Lee wreaked havoc across New England and parts of Maritime Canada, bringing with it severe winds, heavy rainfall, and turbulent surf conditions that resulted in fallen trees, inundated roads, and widespread power outages on Saturday. In Maine, a man lost his life when a falling tree limb struck his vehicle.

The expansive post-tropical cyclone made its initial landfall approximately 135 miles (215 kilometers) to the west of Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital, as reported by the U.S. National Hurricane Center. This location is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of Eastport, Maine. Though nearing hurricane-level strength with winds at 70 mph (110 kph), the storm showed signs of weakening as it moved northward towards New Brunswick and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

As it swept through Nova Scotia, Lee caused the suspension of ferry services and flooded numerous coastal roads, exacerbating the distress in a region already reeling from a summer marred by wildfires and significant flooding. Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the largest in the province, cancelled all flights due to the adverse weather conditions.

Boats in New England’s harbors and fishing communities were evacuated in anticipation of the storm, with residents taking precautionary measures.

Pam Lovelace, a council member in Halifax, articulated the regional sentiment, saying, “The populace is fatigued; the consecutive crises have been overwhelming.”

The storm’s expansive reach caused electrical disruptions hundreds of miles away from its core. As of midday Saturday, Maine reported that 11% of its electricity customers were without power. Similarly, power outages affected 27% of Nova Scotia, 8% of New Brunswick, and 3% of Prince Edward Island.

The storm’s wind force was so expansive that hurricane-strength winds were noted up to 140 miles (220 kilometers) from the storm’s epicenter, while tropical storm-force winds extended as far as 320 miles (515 kilometers), covering all of Maine and large portions of Maritime Canada.

A fatality occurred in Searsport, Maine, where a 51-year-old motorist was killed by a falling tree limb. This incident also resulted in live electrical wires being brought down, necessitating a power cut for the rescue operation. Police Chief Brian Lunt confirmed the man later died in a hospital.

Significant wave surges were noted along coastal areas, including waves expected to reach up to three feet (0.91 meters) in height, along with destructive wave action, according to the hurricane center’s report.

Though Lee spared some of Massachusetts’ most flood-prone areas, it did contribute to further distress in a region that had experienced a particularly wet summer. The storm’s strong winds caused already moisture-laden trees to fall, particularly in Maine, which is the most forested state in the U.S.

Emergency services and utility workers were mobilized across affected areas, including crews from outside the state, to restore services and begin repairs.

Sarah Thunberg, a National Weather Service meteorologist, observed that Lee closely resembled a nor’easter—a type of storm common in the area during the fall and winter months. These storms typically have a broader wind field compared to tropical systems.

The storm shared certain features with 2012’s Superstorm Sandy, though Lee is not expected to be nearly as catastrophic. Superstorm Sandy resulted in billions of dollars in damages and numerous fatalities in New York and New Jersey.

Destructive hurricanes of this magnitude are relatively uncommon in the northeastern region, with the Great New England Hurricane of 1938 cited as one of the most powerful storms to have impacted the area.

This report includes contributions from various correspondents, including Robert Bumsted in Cape Elizabeth, Maine; Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine; Michael Casey in Boston; Rio Yamat in Las Vegas; Mark Thiessen in Anchorage, Alaska; Rob Gillies in Toronto; and Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire.

Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the Republican leader of the Maine Legislature. He is known as Billy Bob Faulkingham.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Atlantic Storm Lee Impact

What regions were most affected by Atlantic Storm Lee?

The regions most affected by Atlantic Storm Lee were New England in the United States and parts of Maritime Canada, specifically Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The storm also had a significant impact on the U.S. state of Maine.

Was there any loss of life due to the storm?

Yes, one fatality was confirmed in Searsport, Maine, where a 51-year-old motorist was killed when a large tree limb fell onto his vehicle during a period of high winds.

What kind of damages did the storm cause?

The storm caused widespread damage including fallen trees, inundated roads, and power outages. Coastal areas experienced flooding, and ferry services were suspended in Nova Scotia. Several flights were canceled at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

How far-reaching was the impact of the storm?

The storm had a broad impact, affecting regions several hundred miles from its center. At its peak, power outages affected 11% of electricity customers in Maine, 27% in Nova Scotia, 8% in New Brunswick, and 3% in Prince Edward Island.

Were any emergency measures or services deployed?

Yes, emergency services and utility workers, including out-of-state crews, were deployed to carry out rescue operations and to restore services. Roads were blocked, and efforts were made to prevent further damage, such as offloading diesel fuel from a whale watch vessel that had broken free from its moorings.

What type of storm was Atlantic Storm Lee classified as?

Atlantic Storm Lee was classified as a post-tropical cyclone when it made landfall. Though nearing hurricane-level strength with winds at 70 mph (110 kph), it showed signs of weakening as it moved northward.

Were there any comparisons made with previous storms?

The storm shared some characteristics with 2012’s Superstorm Sandy but was not expected to be nearly as catastrophic. It was also compared to typical nor’easters that the region experiences during the fall and winter.

What actions were taken by the residents in anticipation of the storm?

Residents evacuated boats from harbors and fishing communities, and precautionary measures were taken to secure property. Some ventured out despite warnings to stay at home.

Was this storm considered rare for the affected regions?

Destructive hurricanes of this magnitude are relatively uncommon in the northeastern region of the United States and Maritime Canada. The storm did, however, contribute to a year that had already seen unusual weather events, including a particularly wet summer.

What agencies contributed to the reporting of the storm?

Various correspondents contributed to the reporting, including journalists from different parts of the United States and Canada. Data was also sourced from the U.S. National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service.

More about Atlantic Storm Lee Impact

  • U.S. National Hurricane Center: Atlantic Storm Lee Update
  • National Weather Service: Storm Lee Analysis and Warnings
  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport: Flight Cancellations Due to Storm Lee
  • Maine Emergency Services: Storm Lee Fatality and Recovery Efforts
  • Maritime Canada Weather Updates: Impact of Atlantic Storm Lee
  • Historical Storm Data: Comparison of Atlantic Storm Lee and Superstorm Sandy
  • Public Safety Canada: Weather Emergency Preparedness
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada: Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee Landfall
  • Maine Department of Transportation: Road Closures and Advisories
  • Nova Scotia Ferry Services: Suspension of Operations Due to Storm Lee

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10 comments

Environmentalist321 September 17, 2023 - 4:42 am

This is why we need to act on climate change. More storms, more unpredictability, more damage. It’s a vicious cycle, people.

Reply
Fiona_F September 17, 2023 - 5:04 am

It’s kind of eerie that the storm has some similarities with Superstorm Sandy. Makes you wonder what’s next.

Reply
JohnDoe2023 September 17, 2023 - 8:06 am

Wow, this storm was somethin else. I live in Maine and let me tell you, trees were down everywhere. Power’s still out in some places. Stay safe everyone.

Reply
Sarah_M September 17, 2023 - 8:10 am

Incredible reporting! Good to see journalists covering all aspects of the storm. Definitely helps us understand the scale of impact. A big thanks to all the first responders and utility workers.

Reply
Traveler_09 September 17, 2023 - 10:13 am

I was supposed to fly out of Halifax today. Everything’s canceled. Better safe than sorry I guess.

Reply
JessW September 17, 2023 - 1:05 pm

omg, that part about the 51-year-old man in Maine is heartbreaking. Just goes to show, you never know what’s gonna happen. Stay safe and take these warnings seriously, y’all.

Reply
CapeElizabethResident September 17, 2023 - 3:48 pm

Storms like Lee are scary. Also, good to see the correction about Billy Bob Faulkingham. Accuracy matters in journalism.

Reply
Mike_Boston September 17, 2023 - 4:23 pm

Kinda relieved it missed some of the flood areas in Massachusetts, could’ve been much worse. But my prayers go out to the folks in Maine and Canada.

Reply
TimInNovaScotia September 17, 2023 - 11:14 pm

This has been a crazy year for us, first wildfires and floods, now this. Storm Lee was no joke. Those winds were howling last night, felt like the house would lift off.

Reply
TomAtSea September 18, 2023 - 2:25 am

As a fisherman, pulling out boats and traps is a lot of work, but absolutely necessary. Those winds can wreak havoc. Good to know most of us got our stuff out in time.

Reply

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