Hurricane Lee

As of the 5am advisory Saturday morning, Lee has transitioned into a post-tropical cyclone. The cyclone is now frontal, with a warm core indicating that of an extratropical cyclone. Even though it’s lost it status, it’s still a powerful system. 

Lee is forecast to weaken as it moves northeastern toward the U.S./Canada border, where landfall could be anywhere between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, late Saturday. While the winds will likely be below hurricane strength as it makes landfall, tropical storm conditions will still extend through New England’s coast.

Tropical storm-strength winds and rain, along with coastal flooding, are expected to begin in southern New England later today and spread north up the coast. The potential for storm surge is up to 3 feet along portions of New England’s coast. Heavy rainfall from Lee could produce localized flooding in eastern Maine and portions of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Tropical Depression 15 continues to spin out in the Atlantic, moving north-northwest. The tropical depression is expected to strengthen to become Nigel later today. From there, it is forecast to become a hurricane by Monday

Tropical Storm Margot

Tropical Storm Margot continues to degrade out in the Atlantic with sustained winds at 60mph. 

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, but swells generated by Margot could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents in the Azores. It is expected to weaken further in the next couple of days before dissipating. 

Other areas to watch

A new tropical wave is forecast to move off the west coast of Africa by the middle of next week. Some gradual development is possible as it moves westward across the eastern Atlantic. We will keep an eye on it, but of now, it is not expected to be a threat to SWFL.

Stick with ABC7 as we continue to track the tropics through the remainder of hurricane season.