Tropical Storm Helene is on track to become a major hurricane as it intensifies rapidly over the Gulf of Mexico. With landfall projected between Panama City and Cedar Key by Thursday evening, residents across Florida, including Central Florida, should prepare for significant impacts. Helene is expected to grow into a Category 3 hurricane, bringing tropical storm-force winds, heavy rain, and storm surges far from the storm’s center. Central Florida will begin feeling the outer bands of the storm by Wednesday afternoon, with conditions worsening through Thursday evening.
What to Expect:
- Wind Speeds: Maximum sustained winds of 70 mph are expected to increase as the storm moves over warm Gulf waters. Winds could extend up to 175 miles from Helene’s center.
- Storm Surge and Rainfall: Coastal areas near the Big Bend will experience dangerous storm surges. Heavy rainfall is expected, with impacts possibly reaching as far as Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana.
- Watch and Warnings: Watches and warnings are already in place across parts of Florida, including Central Florida. Monitor local weather updates for your area.
Stay Informed and Prepared:
- State of Emergency: Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 61 counties, including all of Central Florida.
- Sandbag Locations: Several cities in Central Florida have announced sandbag distribution sites to help residents protect their homes. Check with your local government for specific locations.
- For sandbag locations, visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
- Shelter Information: Be aware of your nearest evacuation shelters, especially if you live in flood-prone or coastal areas. You can find a list of open shelters on the Florida Department of Emergency Management’s Shelter Locator.
Key Safety Tips:
- Prepare Your Home: Secure outdoor items, board up windows, and check your emergency supplies (water, food, batteries, etc.).
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on updates from trusted sources like the National Hurricane Center, as Helene’s path and strength can shift quickly.
- Have an Evacuation Plan: Know your evacuation routes and have a plan for your family in case conditions worsen.
- Stay Connected: Download your local news or weather apps for real-time alerts. You can also monitor updates via the FEMA App.
Additional Resources:
- National Weather Service: NWS Hurricane Preparedness Guide
- Hurricane Tracking Tools: NHC Hurricane Tracker
Helene is expected to bring serious weather conditions, so stay safe, remain prepared, and follow official guidance as we navigate this storm together.