Topline

Hurricane Helene strengthened Wednesday as forecasters now predict the storm will be a Category 4 when it hits Florida tomorrow, with the National Hurricane Center urging “preparations to protect life and property” be “rushed to completion.”

Key Facts

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How Much Rain Is Helene Expected To Bring?

Six to 12 inches of rain are expected across parts of the southeastern U.S. affected by the storm, with isolated totals up to 18 inches, which “will likely result in catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding.”

Has Helene Caused Evacuation Orders In Florida?

Yes. Hillsborough County issued a mandatory evacuation of all mobile and prefabricated homes as of 9 a.m. Wednesday. As of Tuesday evening just before 5 p.m. EDT, the Florida Division of Emergency Management said mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders had been issued in 13 counties. Six counties had mandatory evacuation orders: Charlotte County, Franklin County, Gulf County, Manatee County, Pinellas County and Wakulla County. Almost the entire state is under a state of emergency declaration.

Is Helene Impacting Airlines?

The Tampa International Airport will close to the public at 2 a.m. Thursday in anticipation of Hurricane Helene and will reopen when the storm has passed. Wednesday’s flight schedule will proceed as normal. Airlines have issued travel alerts for the storm and are letting potentially impacted passengers change their plans without fees, including United Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and Frontier.

Crucial Quote

“A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast,” the National Hurricane Center noted. “Preparations to protect life and property should be completed by early Thursday.”

Key Background

Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and comes weeks after Francine made landfall as a Category 2 in Louisiana on Sept. 11. Forecasters this year predicted the busiest storm season (from June 1 to Nov. 30) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has ever forecasted—up to 25 named storms and 13 hurricanes—but the season hasn't been as active as predicted so far.

Further Reading

ForbesHurricane Helene: Airlines Issue Travel Alerts As Storm Heads For FloridaForbesGovernment Forecasters Issue Most Dire Hurricane Season Prediction In Their History—Here’s Why