Category 4 storm expected to reach Florida

Top line

Hurricane Helene gained strength on Wednesday and meteorologists are now predicting the storm will be a Category 4 when it reaches Florida tomorrow. The National Hurricane Center is urging that “preparations to protect life and property” be “quickly completed.”

Key data

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How much rain is Helene expected to bring?

Rainfall of between 15 and 30 centimeters is expected in parts of the southeastern United States affected by the storm, with as much as 46 centimeters in isolated areas. “This will likely result in catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash flooding and urban flooding.”

Did Helene trigger evacuation orders in Florida?

Yes. Hillsborough County has ordered a mandatory evacuation of all mobile and manufactured homes starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Just before 5 p.m. EDT Tuesday evening, the Florida Division of Emergency Management said mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders had been issued in 13 counties. Six counties had mandatory evacuation orders: Charlotte County, Franklin County, Gulf County, Manatee County, Pinellas County and Wakulla County. Nearly the entire state is under a state of emergency.

Does Helene have an impact on airlines?

Tampa International Airport will close at 2 a.m. Thursday due to Hurricane Helene and will reopen after the storm. Wednesday’s flight schedule will operate as usual. Airlines have issued travel advisories for the storm and are allowing potentially affected passengers to change their plans free of charge, including United Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and Frontier.

Key quote

“Catastrophic and deadly storm surge is expected along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast,” the National Hurricane Center said. “Preparations to protect life and property should be completed by Thursday morning.”

Important background

Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and comes weeks after Francine made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 on Sept. 11. Meteorologists predicted this year would be the strongest storm season (June 1 to Nov. 30) ever forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — as many as 25 named storms and 13 hurricanes — but the season so far has not been as active as predicted.

More information

ForbesHurricane Helene: Airlines issue travel warnings as storm heads toward FloridaFrom Suzanne Rowan KelleherForbesGovernment meteorologists issue the gloomiest hurricane season forecast in history – here’s whyFrom Brian BushardForbesHurricane Francine reaches Louisiana as Category 2From Mary Whitfill Roeloffs