As Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico, it is predicted to reach Category 4 status before making landfall on Thursday along the Florida Gulf Coast, bringing with it catastrophic storm surges of up to 20 feet.
A tropical weather alert is in effect for almost the whole state of Florida, and there are Tropical Storm Watches in place for Georgia and the Carolinas, which include major towns like Atlanta, stretching hundreds of miles to the north.
Due to Hurricane Helene’s enormous size, the whole west coast of the Florida Peninsula and the Big Bend region of Florida are at risk of life-threatening storm surges, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
“A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast, where inundation could reach as high as 20 feet above ground level, along with destructive waves,” the NHC stated. “There is also a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the remainder of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula.”
The Big Bend coast is predicted to be most affected, with storm surges reaching up to 20 feet from Carrabelle to Chassahowitzka. If instructed to do so by authorities, residents are being asked to evacuate the coast for their safety.
Based on current estimates, storm surge flooding in Tampa Bay could reach five to eight feet.
Many Florida counties, including Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, have already been ordered to evacuate. Tampa General was shielded from a major storm surge on Wednesday by the completion of a flood fence surrounding the hospital.
In order to assist agencies in getting ready for the impending storm, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order on Tuesday declaring a state of emergency for 61 of the state’s 67 counties.
As of Wednesday night, more than 500 residents were in shelters, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
There are also preparations underway along the I-4 Corridor. Prior to landfall, a few Florida theme parks, including Disney World and Universal Orlando, have declared shutdown.
Read Also: Task Force 1 Heads to Florida for Rescue Operations Before Helene Hits
What is Hurricane Helene’s predicted path?
The hurricane is intensifying along with its forward speed. With winds as high as 85 mph at its strongest, Hurricane Helene is projected to develop even further before making impact.
According to the NHC, as Helene approaches the northeastern Gulf Coast on Thursday, it is predicted to intensify into a major hurricane, which is defined as winds of at least 115 mph. The storm would be classified as a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale based on the current forecast of 130 mph peak intensity.
Helene is expected to slow down and shift to the northwest after making landfall, passing over the Southeast on Friday and Saturday.
Cities in the Southeast will likely experience destructive wind, extensive periods of heavy rain, and even tornadoes. Before the worst effects, the governors of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina have proclaimed states of emergency.
As the system moves closer to the United States, FEMA has been prepositioning resources throughout Helene’s impact region.
