Maine's first Hurricane Watch in 17 Years
Tropical Storm Kyle reached minimal hurricane force this afternoon; maximum winds are now 75 mph. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the Maine coast from Port Clyde to Eastport. A Hurricane Watch remains in effect from Stonington to Eastport, and a Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect southward from Port Clyde to Cape Elizabeth. (This was reported to be Maine's first hurricane watch in 17 years.)Environment Canada has issued a Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning for southwestern Nova Scotia. The previous Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for the rest of Nova Scotia and southwestern New Brunswick.
Hurricane Kyle's forward speed has increased to 23 mph toward the north. At 5 pm, the storm was centered about 485 miles south of Nantucket. Some additional strengthening is possible in the next 24 hours, followed by a little weakening just before landfall. The forecast track shows that landfall is likely in extreme eastern Maine or southern New Brunswick.
Images: Kyle satellite image from SSD/NOAA, Kyle forecast track from National Hurricane Center