As expected, Lee is now a hurricane churning in the Atlantic and is forecast to quickly intensify to an extremely dangerous major hurricane. Photo: ABC News

A tropical storm alert is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, the Leeward Islands and the [British] Virgin Islands, due to Tropical Storm Lee. Photo: Zoom Earth

According to DDM, the forecast track of Lee is inherently uncertain due mainly to the notable distance from the Islands. However, a majority of model forecasts continue to indicate that the centre will likely pass a relatively safe distance north of the region. Photo: NHC

Lee, which strengthened from a tropical storm to a hurricane today, Wednesday, September 6, 2023, will likely become a major hurricane by Friday and a Category 4 hurricane with winds up to 150 mph by Saturday.

The National Hurricane Center in its 5:00 PM advisory said the centre of Hurricane Lee was located near latitude 14.9 North, longitude 46.4 West. Lee is moving toward the west-northwest near 14 mph (22 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue for the next few days with a slight reduction in forward speed over the weekend.

75 mph winds with higher gusts

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts. Continued steady to rapid strengthening is forecast, and Lee is expected to become a major hurricane in a day or two.

NHC said hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles (30 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles (150 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 991 mb (29.27 inches).

Forecasters say Lee is currently expected to move north of the Caribbean Islands over the weekend, sparing the islands any direct impacts other than rough surf and rip currents.

By next week, the spaghetti models show Lee turning north before reaching Turks and Caicos. Bermuda may be in Lee's path.

See previous article published September 6, 2023

TS Lee: VI on Tropical Storm Alert

A tropical storm alert is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, the Leeward Islands and the [British] Virgin Islands, due to Tropical Storm Lee.

A tropical storm alert means that, in this case, a tropical storm is in the monitored area of concern with the potential to become a major hurricane.

According to the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), a tropical storm or hurricane watch sometime Thursday, September 7, 2023, cannot be ruled out.

According to DDM, the forecast track of Lee is inherently uncertain due mainly to the notable distance from the Islands. However, a majority of model forecasts continue to indicate that the centre will likely pass a relatively safe distance north of the region.

“All things considered, in the reasonable worst-case scenario, the system poses an elevated or minor threat to the islands with the potential to cause limited impacts from storm-force winds and high seas, resulting in life-threatening conditions and minor disruptions to daily life,” DDM has stated.

To ensure your safety, we strongly recommend having your hurricane disaster plan prepared and ready. additionally, please stay actively vigilant and monitor the progress of this cyclone closely.

Lee expected to become a hurricane today- NHC

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) today, September 6, 2023, at 5:00 AM, the centre of Tropical Storm Lee was located near latitude 13.7 north, long 44.6 West. It said Lee is moving west-northwest near 16 mph (26 km/h) and this movement is expected to continue over the next few days with a slight reduction in commute speed.

Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph (100 km/h) with stronger gusts. Continuous strengthening from steady to fast is forecast, and Lee is expected to become a hurricane later today and an intense hurricane in a couple of days.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend to 80 miles (130 km) from center.

The minimum estimated central pressure is 997 mb (29.44 inches).