image: The MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible picture of Hurricane Lee on Sept. 24 as it continued to move through the Central Atlantic Ocean. Lee is a compact hurricane with a clear eye. view more
Credit: Credits: NASA Goddard MODIS Rapid Response Team
Former Tropical Storm Lee was almost forgotten when Hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria struck the U.S. because it weakened to a remnant low pressure area and lingered quietly in the Central Atlantic. On Friday, Sept. 22, however, it consolidated, organized and was reborn as a tropical storm. As Lee strengthened into a small "zombie" hurricane, NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites analyzed the newest Atlantic Ocean hurricane.
Former Tropical Storm Lee was almost forgotten when Hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria struck the U.S. because it weakened to a remnant low pressure area and lingered quietly in the Central Atlantic. On Friday, Sept. 22, however, it consolidated, organized and was reborn as a tropical storm. As Lee strengthened into a small "zombie" hurricane, NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites analyzed the newest Atlantic Ocean hurricane.
Maximum sustained winds are near 90 mph (150 kph) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours. Lee is a tiny hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 10 miles (20 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km).
Lee is expected to move to the west and then curve to the northeast by Thursday, Sept. 28 and continue over open ocean waters in that direction.
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For forecast updates on Lee, visit the National Hurricane Center website: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov.