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Subsiding Storm Lee Weakens as Some Weather Alerts Are Rescinded

by Ryan Lee
8 comments
Atlantic Storm Lee

Atlantic storm Lee, which reached near-hurricane intensity, made landfall on Saturday, wreaking havoc with severe winds, choppy seas, and intense downpours across New England and Maritime Canada. However, meteorological agencies lifted some advisories later on Saturday evening.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center called off the tropical storm warning for Maine’s coast, while Environment Canada terminated its corresponding alert for New Brunswick.

Tragically, one individual lost his life in Maine on Saturday due to a falling tree branch that crushed his car. Additionally, the post-tropical cyclone led to power outages for tens of thousands of residents.

Late on Saturday, the storm was reported to be approximately 105 miles (170 kilometers) west of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and about 80 miles (125 kilometers) east of Eastport, Maine. Its maximum sustained winds had decreased to 60 mph (95 kph).

The storm system was moving at about 14 mph (22 kph) and anticipated to continue its northeast trajectory over the next several days, crossing the Canadian Maritimes. The U.S. National Hurricane Center projected additional rainfall of 1 inch (25 millimeters) or less in parts of eastern Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

Warnings for tropical storms were still in effect for certain areas in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the Magdalen Islands.

In Bar Harbor, Maine—a popular entrance to Acadia National Park—a whale-watching vessel was dislodged from its mooring and ran aground. Efforts were underway to remove 1,800 gallons (6,813 liters) of diesel fuel to prevent marine pollution.

The storm disrupted coastal routes in Nova Scotia, led to ferry service cancellations, and heightened concerns in a region already grappling with recent wildfires and extensive flooding. Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Nova Scotia’s largest, cancelled all flights.

Halifax councilor Pam Lovelace commented, “People are exhausted. It’s an overwhelming amount in a short span of time.”

The storm’s hurricane-force winds reached up to 140 miles (220 kilometers) from its center, and its tropical storm-force winds extended up to 320 miles (515 kilometers), covering Maine and a significant portion of Maritime Canada.

Power outages were widespread. By Saturday afternoon, 11% of electricity customers in Maine, 27% in Nova Scotia, 8% in New Brunswick, and 3% in Prince Edward Island were without power.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned of storm surges up to 3 feet (0.91 meters) along coastal regions, along with large, destructive waves. Rainfall of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) was expected in parts of eastern Maine and New Brunswick, with localized flooding possible.

The first fatality attributed to the storm occurred when a 51-year-old driver in Searsport, Maine, was killed by a falling tree limb on U.S. Highway 1 during a high-wind period. The incident also led to downed live power lines, requiring utility workers to cut the power before the individual could be extricated.

Areas of Massachusetts that had recently experienced flash flooding were largely spared by the storm, which instead focused its impact on eastern Maine. Utility repair efforts began later on Saturday as the winds lessened.

Sarah Thunberg, a National Weather Service meteorologist, noted that the storm resembled a nor’easter, a type of storm typical for the region during the fall and winter.

Heavy rains this summer had already saturated the ground in Maine, making trees more susceptible to being uprooted by Lee’s winds.

In Portland, Maine, cruise ships sought shelter, while lobstermen in Bar Harbor and other areas took preventive measures, removing traps and securing boats.

Two lobstermen in Maine survived a capsizing incident as they were preparing for the storm; they were rescued after their emergency locator beacon alerted authorities.

Despite warnings to stay indoors, some residents ventured out. At Higgins Beach in Scarborough, Maine, surfers rode waves reaching up to 12 feet (3.6 meters).

Lee shared similarities with 2012’s Superstorm Sandy but was not expected to match its level of destruction. Similarly, it was less severe than the remnants of Hurricane Fiona, which caused extensive damage in eastern Canada last year.

Severe hurricanes remain infrequent in the northern regions. The historic 1938 Great New England Hurricane remains unmatched in its severity, with no recent storms reaching comparable strength.


This report includes contributions from journalists located in Portland, Maine; Cape Elizabeth, Maine; Portland, Maine; Boston; Las Vegas; Anchorage, Alaska; Toronto; and Concord, New Hampshire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Atlantic Storm Lee

What areas were primarily affected by Atlantic Storm Lee?

New England and Maritime Canada were the primary regions affected by Atlantic Storm Lee. The storm brought near-hurricane force winds, heavy rainfall, and caused significant disruptions.

When did Atlantic Storm Lee make landfall?

The storm made landfall on Saturday, reaching near-hurricane intensity. It disrupted various areas across New England and Maritime Canada with destructive winds, choppy seas, and intense rain.

Were there any fatalities due to Atlantic Storm Lee?

Yes, one fatality was reported in Maine when a falling tree branch crushed an individual’s car during the storm.

What agencies were responsible for weather warnings, and what warnings were lifted?

The U.S. National Hurricane Center and Environment Canada issued weather warnings. Some of these were lifted later on Saturday evening; specifically, the tropical storm warning for Maine’s coast and a corresponding alert for New Brunswick.

How severe were the power outages caused by the storm?

Widespread power outages were reported. By Saturday afternoon, 11% of electricity customers in Maine, 27% in Nova Scotia, 8% in New Brunswick, and 3% in Prince Edward Island were without power.

Was the storm expected to move further?

Yes, the storm was moving at about 14 mph and was anticipated to continue its northeast trajectory over the coming days, affecting the Canadian Maritimes.

How did Atlantic Storm Lee impact marine activities?

In Bar Harbor, Maine, a whale-watching vessel was dislodged from its mooring and ran aground. Lobstermen in various regions removed traps and secured boats to prevent damage.

How did the storm affect air travel?

Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the largest airport in Nova Scotia, cancelled all flights due to the storm.

Were residents advised to stay indoors?

Yes, forecasters urged residents to stay home due to the dangerous conditions. Despite the warnings, some people ventured outside.

How did Atlantic Storm Lee compare to previous storms like Superstorm Sandy or Hurricane Fiona?

While Lee shared some characteristics with 2012’s Superstorm Sandy, it was not expected to match its level of destruction. It was also less severe than the remnants of Hurricane Fiona, which caused extensive damage in eastern Canada the previous year.

More about Atlantic Storm Lee

  • U.S. National Hurricane Center Updates
  • Environment Canada Weather Warnings
  • Historical Data on Atlantic Storms
  • Emergency Preparedness Guidelines
  • Maine State Emergency Services
  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport Flight Information
  • Maritime Canada Weather Forecast
  • Impact of Atlantic Storms on New England
  • Superstorm Sandy: A Retrospective
  • The Great New England Hurricane of 1938: A Look Back

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8 comments

John Smith September 17, 2023 - 7:13 am

Wow, this storm really made its mark. I can’t believe how much disruption it’s caused in such a short time. It’s a little scary, to be honest.

Reply
Emily Williams September 17, 2023 - 2:19 pm

we had some minor flooding in our area but nothing compared to this. Hope everyone stays safe up north.

Reply
Paul Taylor September 17, 2023 - 3:32 pm

This is why we need to take climate change seriously guys. It’s affecting us in ways we didn’t even think about before.

Reply
Karen White September 17, 2023 - 3:53 pm

The fact that it’s compared to Superstorm Sandy is worrisome. even if it’s not as destructive, that’s still saying something.

Reply
Rachel Brown September 17, 2023 - 4:29 pm

What’s with the weather these days? First wildfires, now storms. It’s like mother nature’s really angry at us.

Reply
Sara Green September 17, 2023 - 6:01 pm

I have family in Maine and they said the winds were howling like they’ve never heard before. Terrifying stuff.

Reply
Mike Anderson September 17, 2023 - 7:29 pm

Read about the lobstermen pulling their traps. Tough for them and all local businesses affected. Hope they can recover soon.

Reply
David Johnson September 18, 2023 - 2:26 am

These weather phenomena are no joke. Just look at the power outages! And a fatality already. We should take these warnings seriously.

Reply

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