Hurricane Lee, which began as a Category 5 storm but has since weakened to a post-tropical cyclone, is currently barreling towards eastern New England and Canada's Atlantic coast. The National Hurricane Center has warned that although the storm has lost its hurricane status, it still poses a significant threat with "hurricane-force winds." Lee is expected to make landfall in eastern Canada on Saturday, while southern New England will experience tropical storm conditions and coastal flooding.

Meteorologists have issued warnings to residents to prepare for the storm, as conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly. Stephanie Abrams, a meteorologist with The Weather Channel, emphasized the urgency and advised people to complete their preparations before the storm hits. Over three million people are under watches and warnings from Lee, with winds predicted to reach as high as 75 mph.

Canadian Maritime Provinces, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, are expected to experience the worst effects of the storm. In New England, Lee is forecasted to bring 2-5 inches of rain to eastern Maine, accompanied by massive waves. Coastal areas of Maine could see waves up to 20 feet high, while parts of the Massachusetts coast could experience waves up to 15 feet high. Additionally, forecasters have cautioned that coastal areas from New York's Long Island to the U.S.-Canada border, including Boston Harbor, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, could experience storm surges ranging from 1-3 feet.

President Biden has declared an emergency for the state of Maine, providing resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts. Despite being downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, Lee's powerful winds and potential for extensive damage to homes and power lines highlight the danger posed by even a Category 1 storm.

The hurricane center has also released a forecast cone, indicating the probable path for the storm's center. However, officials advise against solely focusing on the center, as the effects of the storm can be felt hundreds of miles away. The forecast cone suggests that Lee's center could make landfall between the eastern tip of Maine and Nova Scotia.

As of Saturday morning, Lee's center was approximately 250 miles southeast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and 370 miles south-southwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The storm is moving north at a speed of 20 mph. Hurricane watches have been issued for parts of eastern Canada, indicating the possibility of hurricane conditions in those areas.

Lee's arrival has prompted the first hurricane watch in Maine since 2008. Maine, Massachusetts, and eastern Canada are under tropical storm warnings, while a tropical storm watch has been issued for various areas along the coast. Meteorologists have warned of life-threatening storm surge for Nantucket and Cape Cod Bay, with the potential for flash flooding due to the already saturated ground.

To measure the storm's strength, a buoy located northwest of Lee's center recorded sustained winds of 54 mph for one minute. As the storm approaches, authorities are urging residents to stay informed, follow evacuation orders if necessary, and take precautions to ensure their safety.