USVI and Leeward Islands Brace for Dangerous Surf as Cat 5 Hurricane Lee Tracks North

In the midst of the Atlantic, the fierce Category 5 Hurricane Lee is generating winds of almost 165 mph, prompting urgent advisories regarding life-endangering surf and rip currents expected to hit the northern Leeward Islands by this evening.

The menace of these hazardous conditions is forecasted to reach the U.S. Virgin Islands, and subsequently spread to regions including Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and even as far as Bermuda during the weekend. The East Coast of the U.S. is also on high alert for potential treacherous surf conditions by Sunday.

Although predictions indicate that Hurricane Lee’s core will bypass the Leeward Islands from a distance to the north, the surge it produces cannot be underestimated. Forecasts suggest sea levels could escalate by 8 to 12 feet, especially in the Atlantic side and eastern pockets of these islands. As the hurricane intensifies and edges closer to the northeastern Caribbean region, even more formidable sea surges are on the horizon. The byproducts of these swells, which include dangerous rip currents and towering surf, are predicted to predominantly affect the northern and eastern coastlines of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The situation could also escalate to coastal flooding and increased erosion from Sunday evening into the early hours of Monday.

There is still some ambiguity regarding potential rainfall and any associated wind damage. But there’s consensus in predictions that Lee will predominantly venture north-northeast, away from the island territories. Island residents are strongly advised to stay abreast with the latest updates on this evolving situation.

Recent insights from the Air Force Reserve’s Hurricane Hunter aircraft unveiled that Lee has achieved a category 5 rating on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with prospects of further intensification in the coming hours. The hurricane’s current coordinates place it near latitude 17.8 North and longitude 53.5 West, as it journeys west-northwest at a pace of roughly 14 mph. This path is predicted to maintain its course into the forthcoming week, though with a notable reduction in its speed.

In terms of wind outreach, Hurricane Lee’s potent force extends about 45 miles from its nucleus, while its tropical storm winds have a radius of around 140 miles. The recorded minimum central atmospheric pressure stands at 926 mb (27.35 inches).

As for its potential threat to the U.S. East Coast, Atlantic Canada, or Bermuda in the upcoming week, authorities maintain that it’s premature for conclusive forecasts. The hurricane’s anticipated deceleration over the southwestern Atlantic complicates predictions. Nonetheless, coastal residents and administrative bodies on the U.S. East Coast are encouraged to remain vigilant and frequently check updates concerning Hurricane Lee’s progress.