Hurricane Lee is is likely have big impacts on Maine this weekend.
Models have converged on a track closer to the coast of Maine, and the hurricane center forecast now reflects that as well.
Wind, power outages, coastal flooding, and heavy rain continue to look more likely across the state.
Model agreement is much higher Wednesday morning, and with only three full days to go until Lee starts impacting Maine, big shifts in the models are becoming less and less likely.
Lee is now very likely to move close to Maine, and the hurricane center has the center of Lee making landfall in far Downeast Maine. Even though it will no longer be a hurricane or tropical storm, this would be a rare occurrence.
Lee will track very close to, if not right over part of Maine. While a track further to the east is possible, it is looking less likely. WGME graphic
WHEN
High clouds will cover the area Friday, with the impacts from Lee mainly concentrated on Saturday.
Conditions will quickly go downhill Saturday morning with the worst coming Saturday afternoon and evening.
Sunday should improve — likely sunny, dry and warm.
COASTAL IMPACT
Lee will essentially be a large, powerful Nor’easter by the time it reaches Maine.
Coastal flooding, accentuated by the new moon, will be a major threat.
Huge waves and erosion will also happen up and down the Maine coast. Start preparing your boat/coastal property as soon as possible.
While it is still too early to know how strong winds will get, we can narrow down some threat areas. The worst conditions and highest threat is along the coast, especially Midcoast and Downeast. WGME graphic
WIND
While exact wind gust levels are still unclear, things are starting to come into focus. Expect a much more definite forecast on winds during the day on Thursday. With the center of Lee likely passing over or near Downeast Maine, the Midcoast and Downeast regions will likely see the strongest winds, and thus the highest power outage potential.
Farther down the coast, there will also be strong winds, but if they will be enough for widespread outages remains to be seen. Still, some impact from the winds are expected. Winds will be weakest in the lakes region and the mountains. Whether they will be strong enough for downed branches or trees and power issues remains to be seen.
People along the coast should be prepared to lose power at some point this weekend.
NEED TO KNOW
• If power outages occur, CMP urges customers to call the toll-free outage hotline: 1-800-696-1000. Or you can report an outage online.
• If you’re going to use a back p generator in a power outage, CMP has generator safety information.
RAINFALL
Similar to winds, rainfall totals remain up in the air. However, with a closer to Maine track, rain is expected Saturday.
A few inches of rain will be possible, likely with the highest amounts towards eastern Maine.
The fast motion of Lee may help to avoid major flooding from rain, but flooding will certainly be possible.
To sum things up, Lee will likely be an impactful storm for Maine, especially along the coastline. There is still plenty of time to prepare, and some shifts in the forecast are still possible over the next couple days.
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