Hurricane Helene Strengthens as It Approaches Florida
Hurricane Helene is strengthening as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico, with a forecast landfall over Florida’s Big Bend Coast expected Thursday evening or early Friday morning. The National Hurricane Center has warned that the storm is “expected to bring catastrophic winds and storm surge to the northeastern Gulf Coast.” Residents are urged to complete preparations to protect life and property as the storm approaches.
The National Weather Service has issued a warning, stating, “A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast, where inundation could reach as high as 20 feet above ground level, along with destructive waves.” The warning extends to the remainder of the Florida Peninsula’s west coast, where life-threatening storm surge is a significant concern. Residents are advised to heed local officials’ advice and evacuate if instructed.
As of Thursday night, Helene had maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, categorizing it as a Category 1 storm. The storm is expected to strengthen and could reach Category 2 or 3 status, with winds of 96-110 mph and 111-129 mph, respectively. The Hurricane Center has forecast that Helene will likely be a major hurricane upon landfall.
After landfall, Helene is expected to turn northwest and slow down over the Tennessee Valley. While weakening is anticipated post-landfall, the storm’s fast forward speed will likely allow strong, damaging winds to reach well inland across the southeastern United States, including the southern Appalachians. The potential for significant rainfall is also a concern, with expected accumulations of 6 to 12 inches and isolated totals around 18 inches, leading to catastrophic and life-threatening flash and urban flooding.
Hurricane Helene is a large storm, with hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 60 miles from its center and tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 345 miles.
In a Category 3 storm, well-built homes in the hardest-hit coastal communities could experience major damage or the complete removal of roof decking. The hurricane center has warned that many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking roadways, and that electricity and water could be unavailable for several days or even weeks.
In preparation for the storm, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that thousands of lineworkers are on their way to the state to restore power post-storm. “It is anticipated that there will be power outages, so folks have an opportunity to plan for that now,” DeSantis stated. “You still have time to make preparations and put your plan in place, but that time is running out.”
In the Big Bend area of Florida, from Carrabelle to the Suwannee River, water levels could reach 15-20 feet above ground if the storm surge peaks at high tide. The hurricane center has warned that other areas could see water levels from 3-15 feet.
Jamie Rhome, a deputy director at the hurricane center, emphasized the potential deadly impact of the water, stating, “The water impacts are probably going to be the most impactful part of the storm.”
As the storm approaches, watches and warnings have been issued across Florida. President Biden and Governor DeSantis declared emergencies in the state, leading to evacuation orders in several counties. The University of Tampa is also evacuating its residential students.
Governor DeSantis has advised Floridians against traveling long distances to evacuate, as Helene is expected to move inland after landfall. Instead, he urged residents to seek higher ground, either at a friend or family member’s home or at a designated shelter.
States of emergency have also been declared in Georgia, North and South Carolina, and as far north as Virginia.
Florida Residents Prepare for Hurricane Helene
Along Florida’s west coast, residents are preparing for the storm by boarding up windows, fueling their vehicles, and filling sandbags. In Tallahassee, Dorothy Richardson is preparing to hunker down with her six grandchildren, stating, “Either way it goes, I need to prepare. I’m getting my sandbags, got my coal, got my lighter fluid, got my propane tank.”
Russell King is preparing to evacuate his home in Mexico Beach, recalling the damage from Hurricane Michael in 2018. “We lost our shower, we lost our elevator, we lost all of our ground floor walls,” he said. “We think we’re okay with these now, but we don’t know — 125 miles an hour, they get blown out.”
Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey has announced that the city is doubling its workforce, with crews from other states coming in to help restore power and deliver aid after Helene strikes. “It’s very concerning,” Dailey said. “We have never seen a storm of this magnitude that could possibly be a direct hit to Tallahassee.”
In Tampa, officials have installed a makeshift wall outside Tampa General Hospital to prevent water from the nearby bay from flooding the facility. The area is expected to see 5-8 feet of storm surge, and the wall had previously held back 2 1/2 feet of water during Hurricane Idalia.
Warm Gulf Waters Fuel Hurricane Helene
The record-warm water in the Gulf is expected to intensify the storm. Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami, has noted that the ocean heat content in the Gulf of Mexico is at its highest on record. Warm water is a crucial factor in the strengthening of tropical systems.
Sea surface temperatures in the path of Helene are as high as 89 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 2 to 4 degrees above normal. These record temperatures have been significantly influenced by human-caused climate change, which has also led to record warm temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean, where 90% of the excess heat from climate change is stored.
Florida Radar Map
Ahead of Helene’s expected arrival in Florida, this radar map shows rainfall across the state.
