Brevard County Emergency Management: Tornado activity expected, be prepared to take action when a warning is issued

Helene reaches Florida’s Big Bend coast

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Brevard County Emergency Operations Center activation level is currently at Level 2 as Hurricane Helene heads toward the state and is now classified as a Category 2 storm.

The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a warning for severe weather and tornadoes on the Space Coast.

Follow these steps to prepare:

■ Location-based alerts – Sign up for location-based alerts through AlertBrevard at www.EMBrevard.com.
■ Know your risk – Those living in manufactured homes/mobile homes or RVs/campgrounds are most vulnerable to these storms
■ Identify a safe place where you can seek shelter – This location should be in the most stable part of your house, away from windows
■ Protect your head – Protect your head and neck in case of a tornado. You can use pillows, blankets or even a bicycle helmet.
■ Be prepared to take action if a tornado warning is issued for your area

The latest update from the National Hurricane Center shows that Hurricane Helene has strengthened to Category 2 ahead of its expected landfall this evening on the coast of the Florida Big Bend.

Brevard County could see some heavy rain later today as the hurricane approaches Florida and the Southeastern U.S. The Space Coast will see winds of 25-30 mph in the afternoon, but gusts of up to 45-50 mph are expected in the late afternoon and early evening.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Brevard County. Residents should take every precaution by having their hurricane preparedness kit ready.

Helene is moving north-northeast at about 12 miles per hour.

This general movement is expected to continue with a significant increase in forward speed during the next 24 hours.

The Category 2 hurricane is expected to cause catastrophic damage, possibly with record storm surge, destructive winds and torrential rains.

Helene’s forecast track will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico today and cross the Big Bend coast of Florida tonight or early Friday morning.

After landfall, Helene is expected to turn northwest and slow over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to nearly 100 mph, with stronger gusts. Further strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane when it makes landfall on the Florida Big Bend coast this evening.

After landfall, Helene is expected to weaken, but her high forward speed will allow strong, damaging winds, especially gusty, to penetrate well into the interior of the southeastern United States, including the higher elevations of the southern Appalachians.

Hurricane-force winds reach up to 96 kilometers outward from the center, while tropical storm-force winds reach up to 555 kilometers.

The Key West Airport recently reported sustained winds of 41 mph and a gust of 55 mph. An observation at Sand Key recently reported sustained winds of 45 mph and a gust of 58 mph.