NWS issues warning for Hurricane Helene in Florida
Hurricane Helene in Florida: Given the analysis by the National Weather Service (NWS), a violent warning has been issued since Hurricane Helene approaches the coastline of Big Bend across Florida as an anticipated storm surge has been termed “unsurvivable.”
As the rapidly intensifying storm, which is likely to make landfall on Thursday evening as a Category 3 hurricane or stronger, moves closer, several counties in Florida have been placed under an evacuation order.
The NWS in Tallahassee called a potential 20-foot storm wave to be generated around Apalachee Bay a ‘nightmare surge scenario in its Wednesday night statement.
“There is a danger of a catastrophic and unsurvivable storm surge for Apalachee Bay,” the message said.
Along with damaging waves, the surge has the potential to submerge coastal settlements and destroy structures. It is advised that residents in evacuation zones depart right away.
User @WxNB_ on X (formerly Twitter) shared a video of a huge storm surge in Florida from Hurricane Ian in 2022 to highlight the threat.
The National Hurricane Center is now forecasting an "unsurvivable storm surge" of up to 20 feet from Hurricane Helene for the Big Bend of Florida. THIS is what that looks like… pic.twitter.com/acbUG3ceSb
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) September 25, 2024
With wind gusts of 85 mph, Helene is presently 500 miles south-southwest of St. Marks, Florida.
At nine miles per hour, the storm is heading north, but when it approaches land, it should pick up more intensity.
In addition to the potentially fatal storm surge, severe gusts and deluges of rain are predicted as a result of Hurricane Helene.
The Big Bend and southern Georgia are expected to see significant power outages and structural damage due to windstorms, which are expected to produce far-reaching repercussions due to their quick forward pace.
The NWS issues a warning about the potential for mobile home demolition as well as total wall and roof collapses in certain places.
Significant rainfall is also expected from the storm, and flash flooding is possible across the Florida Panhandle, southeast Alabama, and southwest Georgia.
Although they are not the main hazard, the NWS has warned that some tornadoes may form east and along Helene’s course.
Several counties along the Florida Gulf Coast have already been ordered to evacuate, and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is advising locals to follow these instructions.
According to the NWS, “storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and hurricanes,” emphasizing that even regions that are not directly struck by the storm’s core might still experience potentially fatal flooding.
After making landfall, Helene is predicted to move inland, with effects that by the weekend are likely to extend into Alabama, Georgia, and maybe even into Tennessee and Kentucky.
In addition, locals are being asked to be vigilant since the storm may produce hazardous conditions inland and extensive damage.
On Thursday at six a.m. central time, the NWS is anticipated to provide another update.
