***NO VIDEO TODAY*** The European has been hinting at a potential landfall in New England for Hurricane Lee by next weekend. We probably will be dealing with another hurricane off the East Coast of the U.S. by late in week two around September 23-24.
For much of the area, there is plenty of sunshine to go around. There are a few locations that are getting a few raindrops as we have hit the midday hour.
No video this morning due to computer issues, but here is what I have. A few showers and storms will be possible this weekend; but hang on, Fall will be moving in on Wednesday.
After an amazing 24 hours of strengthening that saw Lee intensify 55 mph from 75 to 130 mph and its central pressure estimate to drop from 991 mb to 953 mb, Lee may already be a Category Five hurricane.
The actual forecast from the NHC calls for it to reach Category Five status late tonight.
Tropical Depression number 14 has formed but it is not expected to be a threat to any land areas. Hurricane Lee’s eventual destination is less certain and there could be impacts to Bermuda or the northeastern coast of the U.S. or Atlantic Canada.
Lee is expected to become a powerful hurricane in coming days, and interests along the East Coast from the Outer Banks north should monitor its progress.
It is too early to tell if Lee will be a threat to the U.S. East Coast, but that potential is there. Folks in the Leewards and Puerto Rico should pay close attention to the latest forecasts.
This system is expected to become Tropical Storm Lee by this evening, and a hurricane on Thursday, and a major hurricane by the weekend. It appears that rapid intensification will be likely later on in the week.
The remainder of the Labor Day weekend will be dry and warm for Alabama. Only a few isolated showers are expected mainly across western and southern sections.
Drier air will move in later today, but a few pesky showers are dotting the radar screen as we have hit the midday hour.
What’s next in the Atlantic? The system that is coming off the African Coast probably will be of the most interest, showing up north of the Greater Antilles and perhaps threatening the East Coast of the United States by September 10th or so.
Our long time friend, mentor, and charter Weather Factory member, J.B. Elliott, passed away on May 11, 2015. Click HERE to read James' tribute.
