Lee downsized to post-tropical cyclone as it hits New England, Canada

Hurricane Lee was downsized to a post-tropical cyclone on Saturday as it nears New England and Canada. 

The storm transitioned to a cyclone early Saturday morning and is expected to make landfall later today. High winds with maximum strength of 80 mph are still expected, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. 

Coastal flooding and heavy rains are “already occurring in portions of New England and Atlantic Canada.” 

New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are still under a hurricane watch.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Westport, Mass., and communities north toward the U.S.-Canada border. Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and portions of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are also under a warning.

“A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, in this case later today,” NHC said in its advisory.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Prince Edward Island, Magdalen Island and portions of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 

NHC said the severe weather alerts are expected through Sunday. 

Lee is moving at 25 mph and expected to slow down later today. Estimates, according to the hurricane center, place the storm “at or just below hurricane strength when it reaches Nova Scotia later today.”