Tropical storm and storm surge warnings extended to all of Florida
Florida is expected to be hit hard by Tropical Storm Helene, meteorologists said today, before it likely arrives as a hurricane late tomorrow.
The National Hurricane Center said in an update at 5 a.m. ET that the list of warnings and watches had grown overnight. A hurricane warning was already in effect for the west coast of Florida, from Mexico Beach to the Anclote River.
A hurricane warning has been issued for a stretch of coast from the river down to Englewood.
“Preparations to protect lives and property must be completed expeditiously,” the NHC said.
A storm surge warning, meaning there is a risk of life-threatening flooding over the next 36 hours, is in effect for nearly the entire west coast of Florida, from Indian Pass southeast of Panama City down to Flamingo in Everglades National Park at the tip of the peninsula. This warning also applies to Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.
In the upper part of the west coast, the storm surge could reach a height of 3 to 4.5 meters.
In addition, a tropical storm warning is in effect for the west coast of Florida, much of the east coast and the Florida Keys.
The beaches of Cancun are emptying as Helene moves towards Mexico
Despite warnings that Helene was approaching the Mexican Caribbean coast, some visitors to the tourist hotspot Cancun were still on the beach on Tuesday.
Florida prepares for Helene, possibly as a Category 3 hurricane
NBC News meteorologist Angie Lassman forecasts the direction, size and strength of Helene as it moves toward Florida on the program “Early Today.”
