Lee draws closer; National Weather Service, Coast Guard begin to caution us

The National Hurricane Center says we could know by tonight whether a formal hurricane or tropical-storm "watch" is needed for the Boston area and other parts of New England in advance of Hurricane Lee.

Current NHC wind forecasts call for high winds, if not at hurricane strength, to hit most of Massachusetts by Friday night. The center adds:

There is an increasing risk of wind, coastal flooding, and rain impacts from Lee in portions of New England and Atlantic Canada beginning on Friday and continuing through the weekend. Watches will likely required for portions of these areas later today or tonight. Due to Lee's large size, hazards will extend well away from the center, and there will be little to no significance on exactly where the center reaches the coast.

The Coast Guard, meanwhile, has issued its own set of cautions, starting with: Be ready to get away from the coast - but only after securing your boat - and stay indoors should Lee come close. Also, prepare a kit of essentials just in case.