Hurricane Lee approaching, Caribbean people pray for safe tidings

Hurricane Lee has graduated in the last few hours from a tropical storm to a near category-5 hurricane, which is a sign of impending trouble for many nations in the Atlantic Ocean. The Caribbean nations are facing a dire situation as they are in close proximity to the eye of the storm and the signs are constantly worsening.

Up till 24 hours ago, the updates had a sense of optimism about the situation and the storm was said to have a chance of developing into a hurricane by the weekend. To the surprise of all involved, the storm intensified into a hurricane a lot sooner than most estimates.

The saddest part is that while the storm continues to intensify, it also is creeping ever closer to the Caribbean belt which is at risk. If the latest reports are accurate then Hurricane Lee could make landfall sooner then initially expected and is likely to bring greater force then earlier estimates would have us believe. This could turn out to be a massive problem not just for the citizens impacted by the hurricane, but for the economies and governments of these nations as well.

The internet has been flooded by posts and comments regarding the hurricane which is now garnering international attention due to the severe implications it brings with it. While the whole world is praying for the safety of those in the Hurricane’s path and the Caribbean region on the whole, the people who are at risk are praying that the storm alters its direction and moves in a more northern direction.

Their hopes are resting on the off chance that the hurricane might avoid the Caribbean entirely, something that seems less likely by the minute.

Many have commented “Hope that turns right”, “go right Mr. Lee”, “Praying for those in the path of the hurricane”, so on and so forth.

While it is hard to prepare for a possible natural calamity of this scale, Caribbean nations have begun to brace for the effects Hurricane Lee would have in case it makes landfall. If such an eventuality were to occur, the region would require moral and monetary support from the world to overcome the challenges it would bring.

Some comments on social media expressed the surprise that the public feels at the frequency with which this hurricane season is spitting up storms and hurricanes. Despite what has come before in this season, Hurricane Lee seems to be the most intense weather system of the season as of now.

Needless to say, authorities are proceeding with caution and trying their best to hunker down for what might come.

What comes as a slight surprise though is that as of now there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect except in Puerto Rico. In their latest update, The US National Hurricane Center (US NHC) stated that at 5pm AST, Hurricane Lee was located about 1130 miles or 1850kms east of the Leeward Islands. The hurricane

Is moving in a west- northwest direction at an increased speed of 14mph or 22kmph and is expected to keep that trajectory for a few days. The reports also suggest that the swells created by Hurricane Lee are likely to reach the Lesser Antilles on Friday and progressively the British and US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico during the weekend.

These swells will cause life threatening surf and rip currents which are of grave concern with regards to life and property. The wind speeds have also increase to 75mph or 120kmph. The Hurricane is expected to intensify further and be categorized as a major hurricane in the next few days.

The only nation to have been issued an official warning from the Hurricane watch is Puerto Rico which is working with its maritime community to prepare for all eventualities.