12:00 PM | ***Lee remains a “major” and has begun its turn to the north…significant impact possible this weekend across eastern New England/Atlantic Canada with hurricane-force winds on the table*** — Arcfield Weather

Given the expected movement of Lee over cooler waters of the Atlantic and an increase in vertical wind shear, Lee is likely to gradually weaken from its current “major” hurricane classification during the next few days. However, Hurricane Lee is a large system and it may actually grow in size as it climbs to higher latitudes with an expansion of its wind field – typical of tropical cyclones as they climb to higher latitudes and interact with “westerlies”. Whether or not Lee takes on “tropical storm” or “post tropical” status before reaching coastal Maine/Atlantic Canada this weekend, the pressure gradient will remain very intense between this powerful storm system and strong, intensifying high pressure to the north. As a result, hurricane-force winds are on the table this weekend across eastern New England and Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick). In addition, heavy rains and coastal flooding are possible and recent heavy rainfall in New England increases the chances that root systems of large trees may be more vulnerable to damage by strong winds.