The National Hurricane Center warned that Tropical Storm Lee threatens to become the first Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic in 2023 this weekend as it escalates explosively.
Some hurricane models suggest the storm could reach historically strong levels of over 170 mph as it moves through a low wind speed environment with Atlantic waters still at record warm levels, seriously threatening the Caribbean and Puerto Rico.
At 11 pm, Lee’s center was located about 1,230 miles east of the Lesser Antilles and was moving west-northwest at 16 mph with 50 mph sustained winds. Tropical storm force winds extend out to 70 miles.
Tropical Storm #Lee will likely become the first Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic in 2023 this weekend as it explosively intensifies.
Some hurricane models suggest the storm could reach historically strong levels (170+ mph) as it moves through a low wind shear environment… pic.twitter.com/Kip1XZkkwb
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) September 6, 2023
“Lee is forecast to become a hurricane within a couple of days and will likely become a major hurricane on Friday,” the forecasters said.
According to the five-day forecast it has it drifting to the northwest, away from the Caribbean and stationed north of Puerto Rico as a major Category 4 or 5 hurricane with 145 mph winds and gusts to 175 mph by Sunday, but its long-term fate is uncertain.
Long-range computer models mostly agree that the system will turn north before approaching the United States.
“Environmental conditions appear conducive for development once the wave moves offshore, and a tropical depression could form over the eastern end of the tropical Atlantic during the middle to latter part of the week as the system moves toward the west or west-northwest at 10 to 15 mph.”
So, to become a hurricane this Thursday, Lee would be the fourth of the season, after Don, Franklin and Idalia, the first in the Atlantic, so its monitoring is maintained towards the weekend.