Hurricane Helene is currently intensifying as it moves through the eastern Gulf of Mexico, with expectations of landfall on Florida’s Big Bend Coast by Thursday evening or early Friday morning. The National Hurricane Center warns that the storm could bring catastrophic winds and severe storm surges to the northeastern Gulf Coast, urging residents to finalize their preparations for safety.
Described as a “gargantuan” storm by CBS News senior weather producer David Parkinson, Helene has been upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane, boasting sustained winds of 100 mph. The hurricane center forecasts that it will strengthen into a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) before making landfall on Florida’s northwestern coast later this week.
The National Weather Service has issued serious warnings regarding the potential for life-threatening storm surges, particularly along the Big Bend coastline, where water levels could rise as high as 20 feet above ground. Accompanying destructive waves pose an increased risk of flooding, prompting officials to advise residents along Florida’s west coast to heed local evacuation orders.
Once Helene makes landfall, it is predicted to shift northwestward and slow down, impacting the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday. Although the storm is expected to weaken after landfall, its fast forward speed could carry strong winds inland, affecting various areas in the southeastern United States, including parts of the southern Appalachians.
Residents Brace for Hurricane Helene’s Landfall in Florida, With Category 2 Winds and Dangerous Storm Surges Expected
Rainfall is another significant concern, with projections of 6 to 12 inches across the Southeastern U.S., and isolated areas possibly receiving up to 18 inches. This heavy precipitation could lead to life-threatening flash floods, urban flooding, and considerable river flooding, with steep terrains in the southern Appalachians facing potential landslides.
The expansive wind field of Helene will result in hurricane-force winds extending up to 60 miles from its center, while tropical-storm-force winds could reach up to 345 miles away. Parkinson highlighted that by Thursday afternoon, winds gusting above tropical storm force could impact 60 out of Florida’s 67 counties, excluding only the western Panhandle.
In terms of impact, Helene poses a severe threat to coastal communities, particularly as a Category 3 storm could cause major structural damage, uproot trees, and block roads. Governor Ron DeSantis has emphasized the likelihood of power outages and stated that thousands of line workers are mobilizing to assist with recovery efforts once the storm passes.
Emergency declarations have been made by both President Biden and Governor DeSantis, leading to evacuation orders in several counties. Residents along Florida’s west coast are actively taking precautionary measures by securing their homes and gathering supplies. Additionally, hospitals and critical facilities are implementing protective measures against anticipated storm surges, as local communities brace for Helene’s arrival amid unusually warm Gulf waters that are fueling the hurricane’s intensity.
