Hurricane Lee has the potential to escalate to a Category 5 storm as it approaches the Caribbean islands and subsequently makes its way toward the United States.

At the very least, there is a notable risk of perilous rip currents anticipated along the East Coast.

As the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, September 10th, approaches, the next tropical threat to the United States looms on the horizon, AccuWeather reported.

Hurricane Lee, which originated in the central Atlantic on Tuesday, was positioned approximately 1,000 miles east of the Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean during the early hours of Thursday.

This Category 2 hurricane had wind speeds of 105 mph, marking a significant increase from the 80 mph recorded just a few hours earlier.

Predictions indicate that Lee is set to undergo rapid intensification over the weekend, potentially becoming the first Category 5 hurricane of the season in the Atlantic basin.

According to AccuWeather forecasters, this enduring storm could have far-reaching impacts, affecting regions from the Caribbean to the United States and even extending to Atlantic Canada.

Written by staff