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Hurricane Helene is rapidly strengthening, with Florida targeted for landfall

Vaseline September 25, 2024

Helene reached hurricane strength on Wednesday morning and continues to rapidly strengthen as it heads toward the Gulf of Mexico, where it will eventually make landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast.

TAMPA, Florida. – Helene reached hurricane strength on Wednesday morning, as the storm rapidly strengthens on its way to the Gulf of Mexico, where it is expected to make a devastating landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast on Thursday.

Hurricane and storm surge warnings extend across Florida’s west coast as Helene is expected to become a major hurricane, bringing with it the potential for life-threatening storm surges, flooding and devastating hurricane-force winds.

FOLLOW HELENE: LIVE FORECAST CONE, SPAGHETTI MODELS, WARNINGS, WIND PROJECTIONS AND MORE

The National Hurricane Center says there is a risk of life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of the Florida peninsula and Big Bend, with the highest tides — as high as 15 feet above dry land — expected in the Big Bend area as the storm makes landfall Thursday night. Tampa Bay could see 5-8 feet of storm surge inundation under current forecasts.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast from the Panhandle across the Big Bend and into southwest Florida. This includes parts of Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, for Zone A.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order Tuesday declaring a state of emergency for 61 of the state’s 67 counties to help agencies prepare for the approaching storm.

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Where is Hurricane Helene?

The latest news on Hurricane Helene.

(FOX Weather)

Hurricane Helene is currently near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

What is the expected path for Hurricane Helene?

The forecast for Hurricane Helene.

(FOX Weather)

According to the latest update from the NHC, maximum sustained wind speeds in Helene have increased to at least 75 mph (120 km/h), with higher gusts.

Helene has been rapidly strengthening as it approaches the southeastern Gulf of Mexico and is expected to become a major hurricane, defined as having winds of at least 115 mph, as it moves toward the northeastern Gulf Coast on Thursday. The current forecast of 120 mph peak intensity would make the storm a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Where are the Hurricane Helene warnings and advisories in effect?

The latest warnings for Hurricane Helene.

(FOX Weather)

A hurricane warning has been issued from Anclote River to Mexico Beach, Florida, where damaging hurricane-force winds are expected later Thursday. The NHC urges people in the warning areas to complete all preparations by Thursday morning.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for all of the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas, as well as the entire west coast of Florida from Flamingo to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay. Tropical Storm Warnings are also in effect west of Mexico Beach to the Walton/Bay County line and the east coast of Florida from Flamingo northward to the mouth of the St. Mary’s River.

WHAT TO DO IF HURRICANE OR TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS AND ALERTS ARE ISSUED FOR YOUR CITY

What is the storm surge forecast for Hurricane Helene?

According to the NHC, Helene is expected to be a major hurricane, possibly among the 90% of typical hurricanes in the area.

With the storm’s large size and track, life-threatening storm surge is possible. According to the NHC, water levels could rise 10-15 feet above dry land level as the tide enters between the Ochlockonee River and Chassahowitzka along Florida’s Big Bend. However, storm surges of varying heights are expected along the entire west coast of Florida, with higher levels expected as you get closer to Helene’s eventual landfall.

The storm surge forecast for Hurricane Helene.

(FOX Weather)

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TROPICAL DEPRESSION, TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE?

Downpours from Helene will cause “significant” flash flooding and urban flooding across the Southeast, the NHC said, with totals of 4-8 inches and isolated amounts of around 12 inches. Significant river flooding also poses a risk.