Lee's Impact: Fierce Winds and Coastal Flooding Leave Tens of Thousands Without Power in Maine and Canada

By M Muzamil Shami

Post-tropical cyclone Lee has unleashed intense rainfall, fierce winds, and coastal inundation in both Canada and Maine. This severe weather event has resulted in widespread power outages affecting tens of thousands of people, while also battering coastal areas with substantial waves. Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors and take precautions.

Lee, formerly a formidable hurricane, is currently maintaining sustained winds at a speed of 60 mph as it continues its northward trajectory. This comes after it made landfall on Long Island in Nova Scotia, one of Canada's eastern provinces, this past Saturday, as reported by the National Hurricane Center.

According to National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan's video update on Saturday, the cyclone is projected to veer eastward, advancing swiftly towards the northeast. It is expected to traverse the Canadian Maritimes on Sunday and progress into the North Atlantic by early Monday. Currently, the tropical storm force winds are reaching approximately 290 miles from the remaining core of Lee on Saturday, causing the toppling of trees and power lines and plunging many into darkness.

On Saturday, in Lockeport, Nova Scotia, Canada, vehicles traverse a road strewn with debris.

On Saturday, power outages affected a significant number of customers in various regions. In Nova Scotia, 130,250 customers experienced power disruptions, while in New Brunswick, 38,000 residents were plunged into darkness, as reported by Nova Scotia Power's outage map.

Meanwhile, in Maine, poweroutage.us reported that nearly 60,000 homes and businesses were grappling with power outages. Pictures from different parts of the state depicted fallen trees near residences and on roads due to the onslaught of powerful winds.

The storm's force was evident in recorded wind speeds, with Perry, Maine experiencing gusts at 83 mph and Roque Bluffs, Maine at 63 mph.

To address the aftermath of the storm, utility power crews were actively engaged in assessing damages and responding to downed utility lines and other storm-related destruction on Saturday.

In addition to the fierce winds, Lee is generating perilous surf and potentially deadly rip currents along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, Atlantic Canada, and surrounding regions.

According to Brennan, "We anticipate extremely tall waves, coastal erosion, and some minor coastal flooding."

Furthermore, an additional inch of rain is projected in certain areas of eastern Maine and New Brunswick. Lee remains a looming threat for flooding in urban areas of eastern Maine in the U.S. and New Brunswick in Canada, as outlined by the hurricane center.

On Saturday, observers gaze at the turbulent surf and waves, the lingering aftermath of Tropical Storm Lee, pounding against the coastline of Bailey Island, Maine.

In the province of New Brunswick, Canada, situated to the north of Maine, authorities advised residents to get ready for potential power disruptions. They also recommended stocking up on essential supplies like food and medication to last for a minimum of 72 hours. Additionally, officials urged people to remain indoors in anticipation of an impending storm surge, particularly for coastal communities.

Kyle Leavitt, the director of New Brunswick's Emergency Measures Organization, emphasized, "Once the storm commences, please remember to stay at home whenever possible. There's no benefit in venturing out to witness the immense waves and the true force of the wind."

On Saturday in Fredericton, a fallen tree is depicted in a yard.

Maine and Massachusetts in the United States have both declared states of emergency. President Joe Biden has granted authorization for the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to take charge of coordinating disaster relief and implementing necessary emergency measures.

On Saturday, Boston's Logan International Airport experienced a notable increase in flight cancellations. According to FlightAware, 23% of all incoming flights to Boston and 24% of outbound flights from the city were canceled.