On Tuesday morning, a storm system over the Caribbean Sea officially developed into Tropical Storm Helene, as confirmed by the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm is expected to gain strength and become a major hurricane before hitting the Florida Gulf Coast by Thursday.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Helene was located approximately 150 miles south of Cuba’s western tip, which prompted hurricane warnings for Florida’s coastline between the Anclote River and Mexico Beach. Similar warnings were issued for parts of Mexico, including Cabo Catoche to Tulum.
Hurricane Warnings and Storm Surge Alerts
The NHC issued hurricane warnings Tuesday for the Florida Gulf Coast, covering areas between the Anclote River and Mexico Beach. Warnings were also put in place for Mexico’s coastline, stretching from Cabo Catoche to Tulum, as Helene continued on its path.
Additionally, a storm surge warning was issued for Florida, affecting areas from Flamingo to Indian Pass, which includes the populous regions of Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. The NHC has urged residents in these areas to be vigilant and prepared for possible life-threatening floods caused by rising water levels along the coast.
Parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast have also been placed under tropical storm warnings or hurricane watches, while tropical storm watches extend to Florida’s east coast and the coast of Georgia.
Current Storm Strength and Forecast
As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, Helene had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, with stronger gusts. Forecasters predict that the storm will approach hurricane strength by the time it reaches the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday, and it is expected to be a major hurricane by Thursday, with wind speeds nearing 115 mph.
Heavy rainfall is also expected, with forecasts predicting between 4 to 8 inches of rain in many areas, and isolated locations possibly receiving up to 12 inches. This substantial rainfall could lead to flash flooding and urban flooding in some areas.
Evacuation Orders Across Florida
With Helene threatening the Gulf Coast, evacuation orders have been issued across several counties in Florida. As of Tuesday evening, the Florida Division of Emergency Management confirmed that 13 counties had either mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders in place. The counties with mandatory evacuation orders include Charlotte, Franklin, Gulf, Manatee, Pinellas, and Wakulla. In response to the impending hurricane, a state of emergency has been declared across almost all of Florida.
Airline Travel Disruptions
As Helene continues to develop, airlines have begun issuing travel alerts for passengers potentially impacted by the storm. Several airlines, including United Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and Frontier, are allowing passengers to adjust their travel plans without penalties.
What To Expect in the Coming Days
Helene’s impact may not be limited to coastal regions. Due to the storm’s large wind field and anticipated heavy rainfall, areas far inland could also experience severe weather conditions. Forecasters warn that the storm poses a risk of landslides in mountainous regions, such as the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Key Official Statement
“There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of the Florida Peninsula and Florida Big Bend,” the National Hurricane Center warned on Tuesday. The NHC also highlighted that the most dangerous flooding levels are expected along the Florida Big Bend, and residents in these areas are strongly urged to follow evacuation instructions from local officials.
Background on the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Helene marks the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Earlier this month, Hurricane Francine struck Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane on September 11, while Tropical Storm Gordon weakened in the Atlantic last week. Despite forecasts by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting an especially busy hurricane season, with up to 25 named storms and 13 hurricanes, the season has been somewhat less active than anticipated so far.
As Helene continues to approach the U.S., residents in its path are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The coming days will be crucial as the storm threatens both coastal and inland areas, with severe weather and flooding likely.
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