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According to the latest information from the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to arrive in southern New England on Friday night, Sept. 15, and stay through Saturday evening, Sept. 16.
As of early Thursday morning, Sept. 14, the storm was around 830 miles south of Nantucket and moving north at around 9 miles per hour.
The following areas of Massachusetts were issued a tropical storm watch on Thursday by the National Weather Service ahead of Lee's arrival:
- Eastern Essex County
- Eastern Norfolk County
- Suffolk County
- Eastern Plymouth County
- Southern Plymouth County
- Western Plymouth County
- Southern Bristol County
- Dukes County
- Barnstable County
- Nantucket
These areas may be battered by damaging tropical-storm-force winds that will increase on Friday and remain gusty through Saturday night. The high winds could down branches and trees, which is highly likely because heavy rains and saturated soils will have weakened the root systems, weather officials said.
The gusts could also damage porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and even unanchored mobile homes and will make roads unpassable with scattered debris. Scattered power and communication outages are also very likely.
The storm is also expected to bring bands of heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding on Friday night and Saturday near the coast. As much as two to four inches of rain are possible in a short period, according to officials.
The wind and rain are not the only damaging effects Lee will bring. Storm surge warnings have been issued in Barnstable County and Nantucket.
According to weather officials, the storm surge brought by Lee may be "life-threatening" and has the potential to be as high as two to four feet.
The surge could result in flooding, damage to buildings near the coast, washed-out roads, major beach erosion, and moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
Several small boats could also break away from their moorings, officials warned.
As Lee travels closer, residents in Lee's path should have an emergency plan and a supplies kit to prepare for the storm, weather officials said.
Residents who live in places vulnerable to flooding, such as areas near the ocean or already-swollen rivers, should move to higher ground. Loose outdoor property should also be secured before the weather deteriorates.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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