Hurricane Lee has strengthened to a major Category 5 storm, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in an advisory early Friday.
Lee is currently located about 705 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands and is moving west-northwest at 14 mph. It has maximum sustained winds of 160 mph, making it the first Category 5 hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season.
The NHC said Lee is expected to continue to strengthen and could reach Category 6 strength later Friday. The storm is also expected to slow down its forward motion.
The NHC has issued a hurricane watch for the northern Leeward Islands, including Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
The NHC said Lee is expected to bring dangerous surf conditions to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, the Bahamas and Bermuda over the weekend.
The storm is also expected to produce heavy rainfall, which could lead to flooding and mudslides.
The NHC said it will continue to monitor Hurricane Lee and will issue updates as needed.
Here are some tips for staying safe during a hurricane:
- Stay informed about the storm’s track and intensity.
- Follow the instructions of local officials.
- Evacuate if you are in an area that is expected to be affected by the storm.
- If you stay, secure your home and belongings.
- Have a plan for what to do if you lose power or water.
- Be prepared for flooding and mudslides.
- Stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas.
Hurricane Lee is a dangerous storm and it is important to take precautions to stay safe.
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