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Atlantic Storm Lee Weakens as Weather Authorities Lift All Alerts

by Ryan Lee
6 comments
Atlantic Storm Lee

Atlantic Storm Lee, which initially approached the coasts of New England and Maritime Canada with near-hurricane force winds and heavy rainfall, has been showing signs of weakening. By Sunday, weather agencies had lifted all storm warnings, forecasting that the storm would dissipate early in the week.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center announced on Sunday morning that the now post-tropical cyclone was positioned approximately 135 miles (215 kilometers) to the west of Channel-Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland. The storm’s top sustained winds had decreased to 45 mph (70 kph), although occasional higher gusts were still expected.

The agency further indicated that the storm is expected to continue its weakening trend over the next few days, with predictions suggesting that Lee could dissipate entirely by Tuesday.

In Maine, the skies were clear by Sunday morning, prompting Governor Janet Mills to rescind the state of emergency. Power restoration efforts seemed to be effective, with less than 5% of customers remaining without electricity, a considerable drop from 11% during the peak of the storm on Saturday. Meanwhile, in Canada, power outages in Nova Scotia were reduced to 14% from an earlier figure of 27%, with marginal outages reported in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

All tropical storm warnings for both the U.S. and Canadian coasts had been lifted by late Sunday morning. Earlier storm surge forecasts of up to 3 feet (0.91 meters) for coastal areas were also revised, with surges expected to diminish on Sunday, according to the U.S. hurricane center.

Tragic incidents linked to the storm included a fatality in Searsport, Maine, where a 51-year-old motorist died after a falling tree limb struck his vehicle on U.S. Highway 1, causing live power lines to collapse. A different accident occurred on Route 11 in Moro Plantation, Maine, when high winds felled a tree, injuring driver John Yoder, 23, of Apple Creek, Ohio.

The storm was moving at approximately 22 mph (35 kph) in a northeastern direction, expected to affect the Canadian Maritimes. Additional rainfall estimates for parts of eastern Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia were minimal, anticipated to be 1 inch (25 millimeters) or less.

In Bar Harbor, Maine, a tourist destination adjacent to Acadia National Park, a 70-foot tour boat became unmoored due to the storm, resulting in an emergency operation to offload 1,800 gallons (6,813 liters) of diesel fuel to prevent oceanic contamination.

The storm largely bypassed waterlogged areas in Massachusetts that had recently suffered severe flash flooding, causing damage to infrastructure and homes. Utility work had resumed by late Saturday afternoon in eastern Maine.

Unlike 2012’s Superstorm Sandy, which resulted in extensive damage and numerous fatalities, Storm Lee was less severe, although both were post-tropical cyclones at the time of landfall.

In a separate development, Tropical Storm Nigel was gaining strength in the Atlantic, with no immediate threat to the U.S. or Canada. It was situated roughly 990 miles (1,595 kilometers) northeast of the Lesser Antilles and about 1,115 miles (1,790 kilometers) east-southeast of Bermuda, moving at 13 mph (20 kph) with sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph).

Contributions to this comprehensive report were made by journalists from diverse locations, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Atlantic Storm Lee

What areas were affected by Atlantic Storm Lee?

Atlantic Storm Lee impacted New England and Maritime Canada, specifically affecting states like Maine and provinces like Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

What were the peak conditions of Atlantic Storm Lee?

The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that the storm initially made landfall with near-hurricane force winds and heavy rainfall. The top sustained wind speed reported was 45 mph (70 kph) by Sunday.

When were the storm warnings lifted for Atlantic Storm Lee?

The weather authorities lifted all storm warnings for Atlantic Storm Lee by late Sunday morning.

What were the reported casualties and incidents related to the storm?

One fatality was reported in Searsport, Maine, where a 51-year-old motorist was killed by a falling tree limb. In a separate incident in Moro Plantation, Maine, a driver named John Yoder suffered minor injuries when a tree downed by the storm crashed through his windshield.

How did Atlantic Storm Lee affect power outages?

Less than 5% of electricity customers in Maine were without power by Sunday morning, down from 11% at the height of the storm. In Nova Scotia, the percentage of households without electricity fell from 27% on Saturday to 14%.

Were there any environmental concerns tied to the storm?

Yes, in Bar Harbor, Maine, a 70-foot tour boat broke free from its mooring, prompting an emergency operation to offload 1,800 gallons (6,813 liters) of diesel fuel to prevent it from contaminating the ocean.

Was Atlantic Storm Lee similar to any past storms?

While the storm shared some characteristics with 2012’s Superstorm Sandy, it was much less severe. Both storms were categorized as post-tropical cyclones at the time of landfall.

How is Atlantic Storm Lee expected to evolve in the coming days?

The storm is expected to continue weakening and could dissipate entirely by Tuesday, as per forecasts from the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

What is the current status of other storms in the Atlantic?

As of the latest reports, Tropical Storm Nigel was gaining strength in the Atlantic, although it currently poses no immediate threat to the U.S. or Canada.

How have local authorities responded to the storm?

Governor Janet Mills of Maine rescinded the state of emergency following improvements in weather conditions. Utility work resumed in regions like eastern Maine by late Saturday to restore power and address other infrastructure needs.

More about Atlantic Storm Lee

  • U.S. National Hurricane Center Storm Updates
  • Maine Governor Janet Mills’ Official Statement on Storm Lee
  • Nova Scotia Power Outage Status
  • Emergency Services Response to Atlantic Storm Lee
  • Environmental Precautions Taken During Atlantic Storm Lee
  • Historical Comparison: Superstorm Sandy of 2012
  • Ongoing Tracking of Tropical Storm Nigel
  • Maine State Police Incident Reports Related to Storm Lee
  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport Cancellation Notices
  • Climate Change and Increasing Frequency of Atlantic Storms

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6 comments

Sarah McT September 18, 2023 - 1:25 am

seriously? a 51-year-old man died and all anyone cares about is when the power will be back? condolences to his family.

Reply
Steve O September 18, 2023 - 3:39 am

How are ppl in Nova Scotia coping? 14% without power sounds rough. Keep safe everyone.

Reply
RobertS September 18, 2023 - 7:50 am

What about the boat that broke free? 1,800 gallons of diesel could have been disastrous. Lucky escape.

Reply
Mike L September 18, 2023 - 8:42 am

Ughh, yet another storm. and climate change skeptics still won’t be convinced. Mother nature is clearly angry.

Reply
John D. September 18, 2023 - 4:10 pm

Wow, Lee really did a number on New England, huh? Glad the warnings are lifted, but that doesn’t take back the damage done.

Reply
Emily R September 18, 2023 - 4:19 pm

Does anyone else think the weather is getting crazier every year? Like, we never had storms this bad when I was a kid.

Reply

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