Atlantic Storm Lee Strikes Nova Scotia, Causing Power Outages and Fatalities

The powerful Atlantic storm Lee made landfall in Nova Scotia, Canada, on Saturday, leaving a trail of destruction with sustained winds of 70 mph. Lee, which was previously a Category 5 hurricane with 165-mile-per-hour winds, had weakened to a post-tropical cyclone by the time it reached Nova Scotia. However, the storm’s winds were still comparable to those of a Category 1 hurricane.

Fatalities and Power Outages Reported

As Lee swept through the region, it caused significant disruptions and even resulted in fatalities. In coastal Maine, a motorist tragically lost his life when a tree limb fell on his vehicle due to the powerful winds. This incident highlights the dangers associated with severe storms and the importance of taking precautionary measures.

The storm’s impact was also felt in terms of widespread power outages. Nearly 200,000 customers in Nova Scotia were left without electricity, and over 53,000 people in Maine experienced power cuts. These power outages continue to affect the region along the U.S.-Canada border, creating major challenges for affected communities.

Lee’s Path of Destruction

Lee formed in early September and rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane as it moved toward North America. However, as it approached Nova Scotia, the storm underwent a transition and was downgraded to a post-tropical storm. Despite this, the storm’s impact was still significant, resulting in strong winds and heavy rainfall in the region.

Tragedy Strikes Searsport, Maine

The strong winds from Lee caused a tragic incident in Searsport, Maine, where a large tree limb fell on a vehicle on U.S. Highway 1. The falling limb not only caused the unfortunate death of the motorist inside the vehicle but also knocked down power lines, leading to safety concerns and the need to cut off power before rescue operations could take place. While the identity of the victim has not been released at this time, this incident serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of storms and the importance of staying informed and prepared.

Lee’s Toll

Lee’s arrival in the United States resulted in significant damage and loss of life. Besides the motorist in Maine, authorities in Fernandina Beach, Florida, believe they found the body of a missing 15-year-old boy who had gone swimming along Northeast Florida’s coast before the storm. Agencies had issued warnings about rough surf conditions in the area due to Lee’s approach. These tragic incidents highlight the importance of heeding official warnings and taking appropriate precautions in the face of severe weather events.

States Declare States of Emergency

Prior to Lee’s arrival, both Maine and Massachusetts took proactive measures to ensure the safety of their residents. Maine put itself under a hurricane watch for the first time in 15 years, prompting Governor Janet Mills to declare a state of emergency. Likewise, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm’s impact. Such declarations enable the allocation of additional resources and coordination of efforts to mitigate the storm’s potential impact.

Flash Flooding and Damages in Massachusetts

As Lee approached Massachusetts, the state experienced severe flash flooding, resulting in sinkholes and damage to homes. The heavy rainfall associated with the storm caused disruptions and posed risks to both property and human safety. The state of emergency declaration allowed authorities to respond swiftly to address the situation and ensure the well-being of affected residents.

Continued Impact and Warning

The National Hurricane Center issued an advisory stating that tropical storm conditions and coastal flooding are expected to persist in coastal Maine and Canada, spreading northward. In addition, heavy rainfall from Lee could potentially cause localized urban and small stream flooding in eastern Maine and New Brunswick. The advisory also warned about dangerous surf conditions and life-threatening rip currents along the U.S. East Coast and various islands in the Atlantic. It is crucial for residents and visitors in these areas to stay updated with the latest information and follow any official guidelines or evacuation orders.