Hurricane Helene has strengthened into a formidable Category 4 storm as it approaches Florida’s northwest coast, with landfall expected on Thursday night. Forecasters are warning that the enormous system could create a “nightmare” storm surge and dangerous winds that could impact much of the southeastern United States.
Currently located approximately 144 kilometers south of Tallahassee, the hurricane is advancing northeast at around 38 kilometers per hour, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Officials caution that Helene could generate a storm surge between 4.5 and 6 meters along Florida’s Gulf Coast, posing a severe threat to coastal communities.
Early impacts are already being felt, with over 600,000 homes and businesses experiencing power outages across Florida as high winds and heavy rainfall begin to lash the state, reports poweroutage.us.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has noted that recent models indicate Helene will make landfall further east than previously anticipated, reducing the likelihood of a direct hit on Tallahassee, the state’s capital, which has a metropolitan population of approximately 395,000 residents.
However, this shift places the storm’s trajectory squarely towards Florida’s Big Bend area, a less densely populated region known for its fishing villages and secluded vacation spots where the Panhandle and peninsula converge.
Authorities are urging residents and visitors in the projected path to heed evacuation orders and prepare for significant disruptions. The storm’s impact could extend beyond Florida, affecting neighboring states with heavy rainfall and strong winds.
As the hurricane approaches, emergency services are mobilizing to respond to the potential disaster, emphasizing the importance of safety and preparedness for all those in the affected areas.
Reference(s):
Hurricane Helene strengthens to Category 4 as it approaches Florida
cgtn.com
