Hurricane Helene Projected to Strike Gulf Coast by Thursday
As residents prepare for a potential hurricane, a brewing storm in the Caribbean Sea is set to become Hurricane Helene within the next couple of days. The storm, currently designated as a “potential cyclone,” is expected to strengthen significantly once it reaches the Gulf of Mexico.
Forecast and Warnings
By Monday evening, meteorologists from the National Hurricane Center predicted that Helene could reach maximum sustained winds of 115 mph before making landfall, categorizing it as a major Category 3 storm. Tropical storm watches were issued late Monday for parts of the Florida Keys as the storm slowly makes its way north.
AccuWeather’s Lead Hurricane Expert, Alex DaSilva, urged residents in the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region to start preparing for possible hurricane impacts. DaSilva emphasized, “Everyone along the Gulf Coast needs to be prepared for hurricane impacts.” He noted that this storm has the potential to be the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. this season. WeatherTiger Meteorologist Ryan Truchelut echoed these sentiments, warning that Helene could develop more quickly than expected.
In response to the looming storm, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 41 counties along the Gulf Coast. This declaration underscores the risk of significant storm surge and flooding, especially in areas still recovering from previous flooding caused by Hurricane Debby.
Tropical Storm Status and Track
Currently about 450 miles south of Key West, Florida, the system is projected to become Tropical Storm Helene overnight. Forecasts indicate tropical storm force winds may reach the Keys by 8 p.m. Wednesday, with the storm expected to move northward across the rest of Florida into Thursday.
National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome mentioned in a Monday update that the storm is starting to organize and is expected to intensify quickly once it enters the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Impact Predictions
The storm could produce sustained winds of up to 115 mph and gusts potentially reaching 120 mph when it makes landfall. Rainfall amounts of 8-12 inches are also likely, increasing the risk of “considerable” flooding across the impacted regions. The storms are anticipated to start bringing heavy rain as early as late Tuesday afternoon over the Keys and move northward from there.
Power outages are expected across the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend region, as well as areas in Georgia, Alabama, and parts of Tennessee and the Carolinas. Additionally, the storm poses a risk for tornadoes as it approaches the coast.
High Surf and Storm Surge Risks
The hurricane center is also warning of high surf conditions. Seas in the southeastern Gulf could reach heights of 15 feet by Wednesday morning and peak at 25-30 feet on Thursday. Areas closer to where the storm makes landfall should prepare for a dangerous storm surge.
Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist at Colorado State University, noted that if Helene impacts the U.S. territory, it would mark the fourth hurricane to do so this year, joining Beryl, Debby, and Francine.
Preparations Underway
Many residents are taking the storm seriously as they prepare for its arrival. Jeff Pittman, a fourth-generation farmer, expressed his concerns, recalling the devastation of Hurricane Michael which severely impacted local farming just two weeks shy of its six-year anniversary. With harvest season underway, Pittman halted harvesting to ensure safety measures, including securing generators for livestock.
“We’re taking all precautions, everything we can think to do,” Pittman stated. “It looks like it could be a very serious situation come Thursday.”
Final Thoughts
Weather models indicate that Florida is in for a tumultuous few days, and as Hurricane Helene nears, residents are urged to monitor updates and take necessary precautions. With preparations ongoing, the Gulf Coast is bracing for what could be a memorable storm in this hurricane season.
