Hurricane Helene, now a Category 2 storm, is rapidly strengthening as it barrels toward Florida's Big Bend region, bringing what the National Hurricane Center has called an "unsurvivable" storm surge. Helene is expected to intensify to Category 3 or higher before making landfall late Thursday. The National Weather Service warns of a catastrophic surge up to 20 feet in Apalachee Bay, describing the scenario as a "nightmare" for coastal residents.
As of Thursday morning, Helene was located 350 miles southwest of Tampa, moving north-northeast at 12 mph, with sustained winds reaching over 90 mph. The storm is forecast to slam into the Florida coastline later today, with widespread damage anticipated not only along the coast but also hundreds of miles inland across Florida and into Georgia. The Florida Panhandle, in particular, faces the greatest risk as it braces for intense winds, heavy rainfall, and severe flooding.
Hurricane Helene about make
landfall moving 24 miles per hour towards Tallahassee at a cat 4 possible cat 5 prayers to those in the Big Bend, Appalachia Bay areas and in the path we are still getting winds of 130-150 miles per hour.Not much to slow this down until after… pic.twitter.com/oYUHmralie
— World life (@seautocure) September 27, 2024
Authorities are urging residents to take evacuation orders seriously, particularly in the areas expected to experience the worst of the storm surge. Emergency services have been activated across the state, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declaring a state of emergency in 61 counties to prepare for the potentially devastating impact.
In addition to life-threatening storm surges, Helene is also expected to bring torrential rain, flash flooding, and destructive winds. This could result in widespread power outages and billions of dollars in damage. Schools have been closed, and businesses shuttered across the region as residents scramble to prepare for the storm's arrival.
As #HurricaneHelene continues, the AquaFence at TGH stands firm. The water-impermeable barrier is designed to withstand storm surge up to 15 feet. It has worked through multiple rain events to prevent storm waters from impacting hospital operations. #WeAreTGH #StormWatch pic.twitter.com/papsd6oPg2
— Tampa General Hospital (@TGHCares) September 27, 2024
The storm's impacts are not confined to Florida. Southern Georgia and parts of Alabama are also expected to be hit by significant rain and high winds as Helene makes its way inland. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for these areas, emphasizing the danger posed by the storm's intense rainbands.
While Helene’s exact path is still somewhat uncertain, the consensus among forecasters is that the storm will bring catastrophic damage wherever it strikes. Emergency officials continue to stress the importance of evacuations and proper storm preparation for those in the hurricane’s projected path.
With more than 40 million people potentially affected across the southeastern U.S., this storm could become one of the most devastating hurricanes in recent history, reminiscent of past storms like Michael and Ian, which caused widespread destruction along the Gulf Coast.
Helene’s rapid intensification, driven by unusually warm Gulf waters, has raised concerns among climate experts. Such rapid changes in storm strength are becoming more common, fueling fears that future hurricanes could become even more destructive. For now, all eyes remain on Helene as Florida and surrounding states brace for its landfall later today.
