Hurricane Helene has intensified over the past hours while traveling through the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It is expected to reach Category 4 status before making landfall on Thursday night along Florida's northern coast, particularly in the Big Bend area.
As of 5:00 a.m. local time, Helene was moving north-northeast at 19 km/h, situated approximately 560 km southwest of Tampa and 625 km south of Apalachicola, with maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h.
Early Thursday morning, the hurricane unleashed heavy rains and strong winds over regions of southern Florida and Cuba. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that Helene is a massive tropical system capable of causing severe damage in Florida, where it is expected to bring torrential rains, destructive winds, and dangerous storm surges.
Potentially Life-Threatening Storm Surges and Damaging Winds Expected
Experts caution that there is a growing risk of potentially deadly storm surges and damaging hurricane-force winds along parts of the northern and northeastern Gulf coast, including Florida's Panhandle and sections of the state's west coast. Southern Florida will also feel the impact, with extensive rainbands and winds accompanying the storm.
Active Warnings and Advisories
Storm Surge Warning: In effect from Mexico Beach to Flamingo, covering Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor, indicating dangerous flooding from rising waters is expected within the next 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning: In place from Anclote River to Mexico Beach, signifying that hurricane conditions are anticipated within the next 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning: Applies to the Florida Keys, including Dry Tortugas, and extends from Flamingo to the Anclote River and various areas of western Florida and northern Cuba (including the Cuban provinces of Artemisa, Pinar del Río, and Isla de la Juventud).
Anticipated Impacts
Storm Surge: Helene is expected to cause dangerous coastal flooding due to rising sea levels. Affected areas might experience water level increases between 5 and 20 feet, depending on the location. In southern Pinar del Río, Cuba, water levels could rise between 2 and 4 feet.
Winds: Regions under hurricane warnings are forecasted to face destructive winds up to 150 km/h, with gusts possibly reaching higher speeds. Tropical storm-force winds are already impacting the Florida Keys and are expected to extend northward along the Gulf coast.
Heavy Rainfall: Helene's associated precipitation could lead to accumulations of 6 to 18 inches in the southeastern United States, posing a risk of flash and urban flooding. In Cuba, rainfall amounts are expected to range from 4 to 12 inches, which could also result in significant flooding.
Tornado Risk: The likelihood of tornadoes will increase this afternoon, primarily affecting northern Florida, southeastern Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Local authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for several vulnerable areas in Florida. Residents in affected regions are urged to follow official instructions and complete any necessary preparations to safeguard life and property.
Conditions will rapidly deteriorate as Helene approaches the coast, making it crucial that evacuations and preparations are finalized by the end of the day.
Formation and Progression of Tropical Storm Helene
Tropical Storm Helene formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea on September 24, 2024, with forecasts predicting rapid intensification into a hurricane.
The following day, authorities issued a tropical storm advisory for Miami-Dade and three other Florida counties due to anticipated adverse weather conditions, including heavy rains and strong winds, expected within the next 36 hours.
As Helene advanced, it became evident that the storm would strike Florida as a major hurricane, particularly along the Gulf coast. Warnings were issued to the public, recommending preparations for potential impacts.
With Helene strengthening and moving toward Florida, schools in several counties temporarily closed from September 25 to September 27 as a preventive measure to protect students and educational staff due to the hurricane's proximity.