Helene is expected to strike Florida as a major hurricane on Thursday. Hurricane Watches have been issued along the Gulf Coast, and more are likely to follow. The storm is forecast to be large and powerful, with potential impacts reaching as far north as Atlanta. Florida’s governor has declared a state of emergency for 61 counties, urging residents to prepare for a dangerous and destructive storm as time begins to run out to take necessary precautions.
Tropical Storm Helene formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, becoming the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the system, formerly known as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, developed into a tropical storm in the Caribbean Sea approaching the Gulf of Mexico as showers and thunderstorms became sufficiently organized around the area of low pressure.
Preparations are underway along Florida‘s Panhandle and Gulf Coast states for dangerous storm surge, heavy rain and flash flooding from Helene as the storm is expected to strengthen in the coming days. Under the current track, Helene could make landfall as a hurricane Thursday along Florida’s Big Bend region.
Where is Tropical Storm Helene?
The NHC found that maximum sustained winds reached at least 40 mph, allowing for the formation of Tropical Storm Helene on Tuesday morning.
The system is moving northwest, and that general motion is expected into Tuesday night, followed by a faster northward to north-northeastward motion on Wednesday and Thursday.
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Where are watches and warnings in effect for Tropical Storm Helene?
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Lower Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge and for the Dry Tortugas.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Middle Florida Keys from the Seven mile Bridge to the Channel 5 Bridge.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect from Englewood to Indian Pass and Tampa Bay.
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With the current forecast, hurricane conditions are possible within the watch areas by early Wednesday, and tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning areas beginning Tuesday.
The NHC said residents of the northeastern Gulf Coast, the Florida Panhandle and parts of Florida’s west coast should continue to monitor the forecast for updates.
What is the forecast for Tropical Storm Helene?
Tropical Storm Helene is likely to bring gusty winds, heavy rain with the potential for flash flooding, coastal flooding and dangerous beach conditions to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, western Cuba and the U.S. Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida.
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According to the NHC, models suggest a more well-defined center should develop through Monday and Tuesday, and conditions appear favorable for significant strengthening as the system moves across the Gulf of Mexico, potentially making landfall in Florida on Thursday.
Heavy rainfall will spread from the Gulf Coast into the Southeast U.S. beginning on Wednesday and continuing through Friday, potentially causing flash and river flooding.