6PM Update
TAMPA, Fla. — Hurricane Helene is now a Category 4 storm as it is expected to bring damaging hurricane winds and storm surge Thursday evening to the Florida Bend.
As Hurricane Helene tracks toward Florida’s Gulf coast, it’s expected to bring “catastrophic” winds and storm surge to parts of the region, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane and storm surge warnings for parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay area, ahead of potential impacts from the storm. It’s expected to strengthen into a major hurricane, Category 3 or higher, sometime Thursday before landfall.
“Additional strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane when it reaches the Florida Big Bend coast this evening,” the NHC said.
As of the latest advisory, Hurricane Helene is 120 miles west of Tampa, and 165 miles south of Tallahassee. It’s moving north-northeast at 23 mph with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.
Update 6:20 PM EDT Thurs: Helene now an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 26, 2024
A NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft currently investigating Helene recently found that the maximum sustained winds have increased to 130 mph (215 km/h). The minimum central pressure has also decreased… pic.twitter.com/8rqqf6fp38
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Timing: Late Wednesday - early Friday
“A northward or north-northeastward motion at a faster forward speed is expected during the next 36 hours,” the NHC wrote. “On the forecast track, Helene will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico tonight and Thursday and cross the Florida Big Bend coast Thursday evening.”
Late Wednesday is when the first rain bands are expected to arrive and severe weather is possible.
Thursday, the system will be parallel to Tampa Bay, passing our area and bringing us a surge. Thursday will be the day with the most severe impacts from the storm, with bands of rain and wind. The surge begins later in the day.
Early Friday, our winds shift out of the southwest as the system leaves our area. Flooding and surge will be the major concern. Conditions return to normal on Saturday with typical showers and heat.
Impacts:
Surge: Citrus, Pasco and Hernando counties could see 6-15 feet. Meanwhile, Hillsborough County could see 5-8 feet while Manatee and Sarasota Counties could see 4-7 feet. Lastly, inland counties like Polk, Hardee, Desoto and Highlands could see 1-3 feet.
Rain: 4-8 inches possible
Wind: 45-55+ mph sustained winds
Severe Weather: Isolated tornadoes possible, a level 1 risk
A storm surge warning has been issued for:
- Mexico Beach eastward and southward to Flamingo
- Tampa Bay
- Charlotte Harbor
A storm surge watch is in effect for West of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach
A hurricane watch has been issued for Englewood to the Anclote River, including Tampa Bay.
A hurricane warning has been issued from Anclote River to Mexico Beach
A tropical storm warning has been issued for:
- Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas
- Flamingo to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay
- West of Mexico Beach to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line
- Flamingo northward to Little River Inlet
- Lake Okeechobee
- Cuban provinces of Artemisa, Pinar del Rio, and the Isle of Youth
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