Hurricane Helene Rapidly Intensifies To Category 4 As Florida Landfall Nears—Here’s What To Know
Posted on 09/26/2024
Topline
Hurricane Helene strengthened Thursday into a Category 4 hurricane ahead of what forecasters warn will be a devastating landfall in Florida, with the National Hurricane Center urging “preparations to protect life and property” be “rushed to completion.”
Key Facts
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What Is Storm Surge?
Storm surge is the “abnormal rise of water generated by a storm” that exceeds the normal tide, according to the National Weather Service. Surges are caused by strong onshore winds from a tropical storm or hurricane, and storm surge from tropical cyclones is the leading cause of fatalities from hurricanes, the National Hurricane Center said.
How Much Storm Surge Is Expected?
Almost the entire Florida Gulf Coast is under a storm surge warning. In its 2 p.m. update, NHC warned the surge could cause water to reach 15-20 feet from Carrabelle, Florida, to Suwannee River; 10-15 feet from Apalachicola to Carrabelle and Suwannee River to Chassahowitzka; 8-12 feet from Chassahowitzka to Anclote River; and 6-10 feet from Indian Pass to Apalachicola. Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor are expected to have surges reaching 5-8 feet and 3-5 feet, respectively.
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 20 inches, which “will likely result in catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding, along with significant river flooding.”
Has Helene Caused Evacuation Orders In Florida?
Yes. As of Thursday afternoon, the Florida Division of Emergency Management said mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders had been issued in dozens of counties, with 22 mandatory evacuation orders.
Is Helene Impacting Airlines?
The Tampa International Airport closed to the public at 2 a.m. Thursday in anticipation of Hurricane Helene and will reopen when the storm has passed. 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
Hurricane Helene strengthened Thursday into a Category 4 hurricane ahead of what forecasters warn will be a devastating landfall in Florida, with the National Hurricane Center urging “preparations to protect life and property” be “rushed to completion.”
Key Facts
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
What Is Storm Surge?
Storm surge is the “abnormal rise of water generated by a storm” that exceeds the normal tide, according to the National Weather Service. Surges are caused by strong onshore winds from a tropical storm or hurricane, and storm surge from tropical cyclones is the leading cause of fatalities from hurricanes, the National Hurricane Center said.
How Much Storm Surge Is Expected?
Almost the entire Florida Gulf Coast is under a storm surge warning. In its 2 p.m. update, NHC warned the surge could cause water to reach 15-20 feet from Carrabelle, Florida, to Suwannee River; 10-15 feet from Apalachicola to Carrabelle and Suwannee River to Chassahowitzka; 8-12 feet from Chassahowitzka to Anclote River; and 6-10 feet from Indian Pass to Apalachicola. Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor are expected to have surges reaching 5-8 feet and 3-5 feet, respectively.
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 20 inches, which “will likely result in catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding, along with significant river flooding.”
Has Helene Caused Evacuation Orders In Florida?
Yes. As of Thursday afternoon, the Florida Division of Emergency Management said mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders had been issued in dozens of counties, with 22 mandatory evacuation orders.
Is Helene Impacting Airlines?
The Tampa International Airport closed to the public at 2 a.m. Thursday in anticipation of Hurricane Helene and will reopen when the storm has passed. 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
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