Hurricane and storm surge warnings now in effect for parts of the Big Bend

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — New at 5 a.m. EDT:

A hurricane warning is currently in effect for Leon, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor and Lafayette counties.

This means that hurricane-force winds of at least 74 mph or more are possible within 48 hours. Not everywhere within the warning will experience hurricane-force winds, but a localized area within the warning, stretching along the entire west coast of Florida as far south as Port Charlotte, will likely experience hurricane-force winds.

A storm surge warning is in effect for the entire Big Bend coast. Franklin County could experience a storm surge of 5 to 10 feet above the normally dry coastal floor when the highest tidal surge occurs. This would also require Franklin County to be on the east side of the storm as it moves ashore.

In Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties, the same conditions could produce a storm surge of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) above normally dry ground.

This is a reminder: Storm surge forecasts indicate the worst-case scenario for a given area. That doesn’t mean these totals are the most likely scenario, but they are possible.

A flood warning is in effect for all counties in the Big Bend and South Georgia. Between Wednesday night and Friday morning, widespread rainfall of 3-6 inches is expected across the region, with some areas expecting over 10 inches. This forecast will be refined as we become more certain about the storm’s path.

The cone hasn’t changed much, just some slight shifts to the east with each warning. Today will tell a lot about the storm’s future, but the most likely scenario is a Category 3 hurricane landfall somewhere along the Big Bend of Florida, but a landfall along Florida’s west coast cannot be ruled out.

Stay with ABC 27 WTXL First To Know Weather all day and all week as we refine the details on what will become Hurricane Helene.