Tropical Storm Lee Approaching Leeward Islands with Potential to Become a Major Hurricane

Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services issued a Tropical Cyclone Alert for Antigua and Barbuda, the rest of the Leeward Islands, and the British Virgin Islands as Tropical Storm Lee approaches the region. At 5:25 AM ECT on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, Lee was reported to be approaching hurricane strength and is expected to rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous hurricane by the weekend.

While the forecast track of Lee remains uncertain due to its notable distance away from the islands, most forecast models suggest that the center will likely pass a relatively safe distance north of the northern Leeward Islands. However, there is still a possibility that a tropical storm or hurricane watch may be issued sometime Thursday.

In the worst-case scenario, Lee poses a minor threat to the islands, with the potential to cause limited impacts from storm-force winds and high seas, resulting in minor disruptions to daily life. It is important to note that this assessment is subject to change as the system moves closer to the area and new information becomes available. To ensure safety, residents are strongly advised to have their hurricane disaster plans prepared and ready to implement at short notice. They are also urged to stay actively vigilant and monitor the progress of the cyclone closely.

As of 5 AM, the center of Tropical Storm Lee was located near latitude 13.7 North and longitude 44.6 West, approximately 1260 miles east-southeast of the Leeward Islands and 1460 miles east-southeast of the British Virgin Islands. The storm is moving west-northwest at a speed of 14 mph, with a slight reduction in forward speed expected in the next few days.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to around 65 mph with higher gusts. Continued steady to rapid strengthening is forecasted, and Lee is expected to become a hurricane later today and a major hurricane in a couple of days. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles from the center, and the estimated minimum central pressure is 997 mb.

On its forecast track, Tropical Storm Lee could be near the islands late Friday or Saturday as a major tropical cyclone. Hazardous seas are likely to impact the islands, and there is a possibility of minimal storm-force winds. However, the specific impacts, if any, remain uncertain due to the limited confidence in the eventual path, size, and intensity of the system.

At this time, there are no watches or warnings in effect. Residents are advised to closely monitor Tropical Storm Lee and ensure that they have their hurricane season plans prepared. The next update will be issued shortly after 11 AM by Forecaster Bernell Simon.