**Heading 1: Storm Lee Causes Widespread Damage in New England and Eastern Canada**
**Heading 2: Introduction**
A powerful storm named Storm Lee has caused significant damage in coastal New England and eastern Canada. With hurricane-force winds, dangerous surf, and heavy rainfall, the storm has toppled trees and cut power to tens of thousands of people.
**Heading 2: Severe Conditions Predicted**
Severe conditions are expected across parts of Massachusetts and Maine, with the potential for hurricane conditions in the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The storm, initially classified as a hurricane but later downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, is projected to make landfall in Nova Scotia.
**Heading 2: Current Location and Speed**
As of 8 a.m. EDT Saturday, the storm’s center is approximately 185 miles southwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and 160 miles south-southeast of Eastport, Maine. Moving at a rapid pace of 25 mph, it has maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.
**Heading 2: States of Emergency**
States of emergency have been declared for Massachusetts and Maine, where heavy summer rains have saturated the ground and weakened trees. Reports of downed trees and power outages have already been received in eastern Maine.
**Heading 2: Impact and Warnings**
Hurricane watches are in effect for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, while a tropical storm warning extends from Westport, Massachusetts, to Nova Scotia. Tens of thousands of customers are without power from Maine to Nova Scotia.
**Heading 2: Precautionary Measures**
Peak gusts along the coast in eastern Maine are projected to reach 70 mph, while gusts up to 50 mph are expected across a wide area spanning more than 400 miles. Cruise ships have sought refuge in Portland, and lobstermen in Bar Harbor and other areas have pulled their traps from the water and moved their boats inland.
**Heading 2: Remarkable Rescue**
Two lobstermen, including Maine Legislature House Republican leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, survived after their boat overturned while hauling traps ahead of the storm. They clung to the hull of the overturned boat until help arrived. Authorities credit the boat’s emergency locator beacon for alerting them to the incident.
**Heading 2: Impact on Surrounding Areas**
Storm Lee has already affected the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda before turning northward. The U.S. and Canada are likely to experience life-threatening surf and rip current conditions due to heavy swells caused by the storm.
**Heading 2: Coastal Maine’s Vulnerability**
Coastal Maine is expected to face waves as high as 15 feet, resulting in erosion and damage. Strong gusts are also likely to cause power outages. Eastern Maine could receive up to 5 inches of rain, leading to a flash flood watch being issued.
**Heading 2: Residents’ Attitude**
Despite the potential risks, many New Englanders seem relatively unconcerned about Storm Lee. Some compare it to typical winter nor’easters, minus the snow. However, precautions are still being taken, such as moving boats to safer locations.
**Heading 2: Canada’s Preparedness**
Meteorologists in Canada predict that Storm Lee will not be as severe as the remnants of Hurricane Fiona from a year ago. However, authorities still urge residents to stay home and avoid venturing out to witness the storm’s strength firsthand.
**Heading 2: Historical Perspective**
Destructive hurricanes are relatively rare in this northern region. The most powerful storm in recent history was the Great New England Hurricane of 1938, which brought gusts as high as 186 mph. Hurricane Irene in 2011 also caused significant damage in Vermont, highlighting the need for caution even inland.
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