Tropical Storm Helene is intensifying and poses a significant threat to Florida and the Gulf Coast. It’s currently located just off the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula and is expected to become a hurricane later today. The storm is projected to move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and make landfall on Florida’s Big Bend coast late Thursday.
A series of watches and warnings are in effect, including a Storm Surge Warning for areas like Indian Pass to Flamingo, Tampa Bay, and Charlotte Harbor. Hurricane Warnings are in place for Anclote River to Mexico Beach in Florida and parts of Mexico, while a Hurricane Watch covers the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio and parts of Florida’s west coast. Tropical Storm Warnings and Watches extend across various regions in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Cuba, and Mexico.
Read: AccuWeather: Life-Threatening Conditions As Hurricane Helene Approaches Florida Gulf Coast
Helene is expected to bring heavy rainfall, with potential accumulations of 4 to 8 inches in some areas and isolated totals reaching up to 15 inches. This rainfall could lead to significant flooding and landslides. A dangerous storm surge is also anticipated, with water levels potentially rising 10-15 feet above ground in certain coastal areas of Florida.
Hurricane conditions are expected in the warning areas in Mexico and the U.S., while tropical storm conditions are expected to spread northward from southern Florida. There is also a risk of tornadoes tonight in parts of western Florida and southern Alabama, with an increased risk on Thursday across a wider region. Additionally, dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along affected coastlines.
Residents in the path of Helene are strongly urged to monitor updates from their local National Weather Service forecast office and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
Read: AccuWeather Experts Urge Florida, U.S. Gulf Coast To Prepare For ‘Major Hurricane’
Watches and Warnings
- Storm Surge Warning: Indian Pass to Flamingo, Tampa Bay, and Charlotte Harbor
- Hurricane Warning: Anclote River to Mexico Beach, FL, and Cabo Catoche to Tulum, Mexico, including Cozumel
- Hurricane Watch: Cuban province of Pinar del Rio and Englewood to Anclote River, FL, including Tampa Bay
- Tropical Storm Warning: Dry Tortugas, Florida Keys, Florida west coast from Flamingo to Anclote River (including Tampa Bay), west of Mexico Beach to Walton/Bay County Line, Florida east coast from Flamingo to Altamaha Sound, GA, Lake Okeechobee, Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catoche, Mexico, and Cuban provinces of Artemisa, Pinar del Rio, and the Isle of Youth
- Tropical Storm Watch: Georgia and South Carolina coast north of Altamaha Sound to the South Santee River
Hazards
- Rainfall: 4-8 inches over western Cuba, Cayman Islands, and northeast Yucatan Peninsula, with isolated totals around 12 inches. 5-10 inches over the Southeastern U.S., with isolated totals around 15 inches. These heavy rains could cause significant flooding and landslides.
- Storm Surge: Life-threatening storm surge inundation is possible in various areas. Water levels could rise 10-15 feet above ground in some parts of Florida’s coast.
- Wind: Hurricane conditions are expected in the warning areas in Mexico and the U.S. Tropical storm conditions are expected in southern Florida and will spread northward.
- Tornadoes: Possible tonight over parts of western Florida and southern Alabama, with an increased risk on Thursday across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
- Surf: Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected along affected coastlines.
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