Tropical Storm Helene intensified into a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday, rapidly gaining strength in the Caribbean Sea as it heads toward Florida's northwest coast. In preparation for the impending severe weather, Florida is already initiating school closures and evacuations, anticipating heavy rains and storm surges.
Helene now boasts maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, moving north-northwest at a speed of 10 mph, indicating a slight increase in its speed. The latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 10:00 a.m. local time places Helene 84 miles north-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and approximately 503 miles south-southwest of Tampa, Florida.
Expanded Storm Warnings
Tropical storm warnings have been extended northward, covering the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina up to South Santee River, and westward to the Okaloosa/Walton county line in Florida. Additionally, a storm surge warning has been issued from Mexico Beach to Indian Pass, Florida.
The hurricane, expected to impact the United States near Tallahassee, is already battering Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula and western Cuba with hurricane-force winds. Florida's coastline will begin to experience the effects in the coming hours, though the storm's center won't make landfall until Thursday.
Potential for Further Intensification
The NHC warns that Helene could strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane or higher by Thursday. Hurricane warnings are in place for parts of Yucatán and Florida's northwest coast, where storm surges could reach up to 15 feet. Formed on Tuesday in the Caribbean, Helene is moving over warm, deep waters conducive to further intensification.
Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for potential power outages and to secure enough food and water to last at least three days. Tropical storm warnings are also in effect for the Florida Keys, the southern peninsula, and the state's northeastern coast, as well as South Carolina between Savannah and South Santee Rivers. Additionally, hurricane warnings cover western Cuba and parts of Florida, including Tampa Bay.
Emergency Declarations and Preparations
Larry Kelly, an NHC specialist, emphasized, "This is going to be a very large system with impacts across Florida." Several counties along Florida's west and northwest coasts have ordered evacuations, and numerous school districts, including those in Tampa and Tallahassee, will either close or adjust their schedules.
President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in Florida, deploying Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teams to Florida and Alabama to support local authorities. The White House announced that generators, food, water supplies, and rescue and electrical repair teams are being mobilized.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp have also declared emergencies in multiple areas. The NHC cautions that Helene will be an unusually large storm, with rainfall, storm surges, and winds affecting regions far from its center. States like Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana might face heavy downpours.
Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1. According to Philip Klotzbach, a researcher at Colorado State University, Florida has seen eight Category 3 or higher hurricanes make landfall since 2000.