What You Need To Know
- Helene has formed in the Caribbean Sea
- It will move into the Gulf and strengthen into a hurricane Wednesday
- Helene is forecast to make landfall on Thursday evening in the Florida Panhandle
Tropical Storm Helene Forms in the North-Western Caribbean Sea
Helene is moving northwest into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico with max winds of 50 mph. It will continue to strengthen as it turns north-northeast.
Conditions are favorable for intensification in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, with warm water and low wind shear in place. It should allow Helene to quickly strengthen, becoming a hurricane soon. It’s possible that Helene could undergo rapid intensification in the eastern Gulf, making landfall as a major hurricane in the Big Bend.
The latest forecast has Helene moving inland Thursday evening in the Florida Panhandle.
Latest Forecast and Warnings
The risk of life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds begin Wednesday night and through Thursday along portions of the Gulf Coast, especially the Florida Panhandle and Florida’s west coast.
Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watches are in effect across Florida.
Impacts and Preparations
Along with hurricane-force winds, dangerous storm surge is expected and Storm Surge Watches have been issued for Indian Pass southward to Flamingo, Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. Storm surge will be highest in the Big Bend and Nature Coast area, with inundation up to 12 feet above ground level.
Uncertainty and Uncertainties
There is still uncertainty in the specific track and intensity of the storm, but most models are consistent with the storm moving north across the eastern Gulf, making landfall somewhere around Florida’s Big Bend.
2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Here’s a look at the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season so far.
More Storm Season Resources
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**Conclusion**
Tropical Storm Helene has formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, and it’s predicted to strengthen into a hurricane and make landfall in the Florida Panhandle by Thursday evening. Residents of the affected areas should closely monitor the storm’s track and intensity, and follow any evacuation orders or precautions advised by local authorities.
**Frequently Asked Questions**
Q: What is the current strength of Tropical Storm Helene?
A: Helene is moving northwest into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico with max winds of 50 mph.
Q: Where is Tropical Storm Helene expected to make landfall?
A: Helene is forecast to make landfall on Thursday evening in the Florida Panhandle.
Q: What are the risks associated with Tropical Storm Helene?
A: The risks include life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds.
Q: Are there any storm surge watches in effect?
A: Yes, Storm Surge Watches have been issued for Indian Pass southward to Flamingo, Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.
