Helene is expected to hit Florida as a major hurricane on Thursday. Hurricane warnings have been issued along the Gulf Coast, and more are likely to follow. The storm is expected to be large and powerful, with potential impacts as far north as Atlanta. Florida’s governor has declared a state of emergency for 61 counties and urged residents to prepare for a dangerous and destructive storm as time runs out to take necessary precautions.
Tropical Storm Helene formed in the northwestern Caribbean on Tuesday and was the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the system, previously designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, had strengthened into a tropical storm in the Caribbean Sea and was approaching the Gulf of Mexico as showers and thunderstorms became sufficiently organized around the low pressure system.
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Preparations are underway in Florida’s Panhandle and Gulf Coast states for dangerous storm surges, heavy rains and flash flooding from Helene as the storm is expected to strengthen in the coming days. If Helene maintains its current course, it could make landfall as a hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend region on Thursday.
Where is Tropical Storm Helene?
The NHC noted that maximum sustained winds reached at least 40 mph, allowing Tropical Storm Helene to form Tuesday morning.
The system is moving northwest and this general motion is expected through Tuesday night, followed by a faster north-northeast motion on Wednesday and Thursday.
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Where are watches and warnings for Tropical Storm Helene in effect?
A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Lower Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge and the Dry Tortugas.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for the central Florida Keys from the Seven Mile Bridge to the Channel 5 Bridge.
A hurricane warning is in effect from Englewood to Indian Pass and Tampa Bay.
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According to the current forecast, hurricane force winds are possible in the observation areas until Wednesday morning, and tropical storm force winds are expected in the warning areas from Tuesday onwards.
The NHC said residents of the northeast Gulf Coast, Florida Panhandle and parts of Florida’s west coast should continue to monitor the weather forecast for updates.
What is the forecast for Tropical Storm Helene?
Tropical Storm Helene is expected to bring gusty winds, heavy rainfall with the possibility of flash flooding, coastal flooding, and hazardous beach conditions across Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, western Cuba, and the U.S. Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida.
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According to the NHC, models indicate that a better-defined center should form over the course of Monday and Tuesday, and conditions appear favorable for significant strengthening as the system moves across the Gulf of Mexico and potentially makes landfall in Florida on Thursday.
From Wednesday through Friday, heavy rains will spread from the Gulf Coast into the southeastern United States, possibly causing flash flooding and river flooding.
