Tropical Storm Helene: As Tropical Storm Helene moved north along Mexico’s coast toward the U.S. on Wednesday, it was expected to quickly strengthen into a hurricane in the Caribbean Sea. This led Florida and Georgia to declare states of emergency, evacuate residents, and close schools.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the storm is forecasted to be “near hurricane strength” as it passes close to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula early Wednesday, and it will “intensify and grow in size” as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico. Heavy rainfall is expected to hit the Southeast, with a “life-threatening storm surge” predicted along Florida’s entire west coast.
Exploring Solar Storms: Past Events and Their Impact on Earth
By Thursday, when Helene is expected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, it is predicted to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane or higher. Hurricane warnings have been issued for parts of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Florida’s northwest coast, where storm surges of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) are expected.
Which counties are most vulnerable to Tropical Storm Helene?
Emergency evacuations are underway in Florida as Tropical Storm Helene is expected to grow into a Category 3 hurricane. Al Roker tracks the latest forecast. pic.twitter.com/TE3Laq8PLL
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 25, 2024
Even though Helene is already a big storm, as it gets bigger it will likely affect areas hundreds of miles out from its center. Strong winds, flooding, and storm surges are some of its effects.
The hurricane center states that as the storm moves across the coast, it is predicted to pick up more speed and that this could lead to “farther inland penetration of strong winds over the southeastern United States after landfall.”
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has issued a state of emergency in 61 of the state’s 67 counties, including the entire Florida Panhandle, in anticipation of Hurricane Helene.
These are the counties where an emergency has been declared.
Here are the locations that weather officials have issued watches or warnings for in the interim.
- Alachua
- Baker
- Bay
- Bradford
- Brevard
- Calhoun
- Charlotte
- Citrus
- Clay
- Collier
- Columbia
- DeSoto
- Dixie
- Duval
- Escambia
- Flagler
- Franklin
- Gadsden
- Gilchrist
- Glades
- Gulf
- Hamilton
- Hardee
- Hendry
- Hernando
- Highlands
- Hillsborough
- Holmes
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Lafayette
- Lake
- Lee
- Leon
- Levy
- Liberty
- Madison
- Manatee
- Marion
- Monroe
- Nassau
- Okaloosa
- Okeechobee
- Orange
- Osceola
- Pasco
- Pinellas
- Polk
- Putnam
- Santa Rosa
- Sarasota
- Seminole
- St. Johns
- Sumter
- Suwannee
- Taylor
- Union
- Volusia
- Wakulla
- Walton
- Washington
Hurricane alert
- Anclote River to Mexico Beach, Florida
This warning indicates that hurricane conditions, defined as sustained winds of 74 mph or higher, are anticipated somewhere within the designated area, according to the National Weather Service.
Trump Declines Second Debate with Harris, Calls Timing ‘Too Late’ as Voting Begins
In order to give locals enough time to get ready for hazardous conditions, a warning is issued 36 hours prior to the predicted arrival of strong winds.
Hurricane watch
When there is a watch, it indicates that hurricane conditions—74 mph or higher sustained winds—may develop in the designated area. A 48-hour notice is given before tropical storm force winds are predicted to develop.
Warning of storm surge
- Indian Pass southward to Flamingo
- Tampa Bay
- Charlotte Harbor
A storm surge warning tells people that rising water that moves inland from the coast within the warning area, usually within 36 hours, could cause floods that could be fatal. This could be sent out earlier if something else happens, like strong winds, that cuts down on the time that can be used to do things like evacuate in case of a surge. A warning may also be sent to places that aren’t expected to be flooded to the point of death but could be cut off by flooding in nearby areas.
A tropical storm alert
When there is a tropical storm warning, 39 to 73 mph sustained winds or more are predicted in 36 hours or less. River, coastal, or storm surge flooding may occur along with these winds.
- Dry Tortugas
- All of the Florida Keys
- The Florida west coast from Flamingo to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay
- West of Mexico Beach to the Walton/Bay County Line
- The Florida east coast from Flamingo northward to the mouth of the St. Mary’s
- River
- Lake Okeechobee
Tropical storms watch
- North of the mouth of the St. Mary’s River to the South Santee River is the coast of Georgia and South Carolina.
A tropical storm watch means that a tropical cyclone with winds of 39 to 73 mph or more could be dangerous within 48 hours. Along with these winds, there may be flooding from rivers, the coast, or storm surges.
