AccuWeather meteorologists are issuing urgent warnings as Hurricane Helene could intensify into a powerful Category 4 storm, potentially and devastatingly impacting the Florida Gulf Coast and beyond.
“Helene will quickly become a very large and dangerous hurricane, and it will grow as it approaches the Gulf coast,” warned AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva. “Helene is moving over extremely warm waters and will intensify rapidly.”
They forecast Helene to reach Category 4 strength before landfall, with maximum sustained winds of 130-156 mph.
Read: Tampa International Airport To Close Ahead Of Hurricane Helene
The storm’s effects will extend far beyond the landfall zone. Life-threatening storm surge, destructive winds, and flooding are expected across a wide area, including inland areas of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Residents in affected areas are strongly urged to follow evacuation orders and seek safety.
AccuWeather has upgraded Helene to a 4 on the RealImpact™ Scale for Hurricanes, indicating a high risk of catastrophic inland flooding, widespread wind damage, power outages, and potential landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. A life-threatening storm surge of 15-20 feet is possible along parts of the Big Bend region, with flooding rainfall of 8-12 inches expected in some areas.
The risk of tornadoes is increasing as Helene approaches the Gulf Coast, expanding across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama on Thursday and shifting northward on Friday. Widespread power outages lasting days or even weeks are possible due to strong winds and flooding. The risk of catastrophic inland flooding is particularly high in northern Georgia, western North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee.
Read: Georgia Prepares For Hurricane Helene With Travel Alert Webpage
“We’re concerned about the growing threat of potentially catastrophic flooding and inland wind damage that can cause power outages across much of Georgia, western South Carolina, and western North Carolina,” said AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin. “Heavy rain has been drenching Georgia and the Carolinas long before the impacts from Helene arrive. The additional torrential rain expected from Helene could trigger road washouts and a flooding disaster in some locations leading to some communities being inaccessible for days. Everyone needs to be prepared for power outages that could last for days or even weeks. Helene could become a once-in-a-generation storm for some.”
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