Weather
Hurricane Helene Threatens Florida’s Big Bend Coast
Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, is expected to bring devastating winds and storm surge to the Big Bend region of Florida on Thursday evening.
The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane and storm surge warnings for parts of the state’s Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay area.
“Catastrophic” conditions are anticipated as Helene approaches, with the storm expected to intensify further before making landfall.
As of the latest advisory, the hurricane was located 80 miles west-southwest of Cedar Key, Florida, and moving north-northeast at 23 mph with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.
The Tampa Bay area began experiencing the storm’s outer rain bands on Wednesday night, and the system’s parallel path to the region on Thursday led to significant impacts, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surge.
While winds are expected to shift out of the southwest on Friday, flooding and storm surge will remain major concerns.
Storm Surge Predictions:
- Citrus, Pasco, and Hernando counties: 6-15 feet
- Hillsborough County: 5-8 feet
- Manatee and Sarasota Counties: 4-7 feet
- Inland counties (Polk, Hardee, Desoto, and Highlands): 1-3 feet
Other Impacts:
- Rainfall: 4-8 inches possible
- Winds: Sustained winds of 45-55+ mph
- Severe Weather: Isolated tornadoes possible
Warnings and Watches:
- Storm Surge Warning: Mexico Beach eastward and southward to Flamingo, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor
- Storm Surge Watch: West of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach
- Hurricane Watch: Englewood to the Anclote River, including Tampa Bay
- Hurricane Warning: Anclote River to Mexico Beach
Residents in the affected areas are urged to follow the guidance of local authorities and prepare for the potential impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Reports of potential tornado activity have emerged in the Katy Hockley and Bridgeland areas. However, as of now, there have been no calls regarding structural damage or injuries associated with these reports.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Southeast Texas from Friday night through Saturday morning. Drivers should exercise caution and be prepared for significantly reduced visibility during the morning commute.
- Spotty rain showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible ahead of an approaching cold front.
- Coastal areas may experience some early storm activity around sunrise, though these storms are not expected to match the intensity of the severe weather experienced on Thursday.
- A cold front will move through the region, bringing scattered storms. While the overall risk of severe weather remains low, there is a 2 out of 5 chance (Slight Risk) for isolated severe storms.
- Residents across Southeast Texas are advised to stay alert, as conditions can change rapidly.
- The line of storms is expected to clear the area by approximately 5:00 PM on Saturday as the front pushes eastward toward Louisiana.
High-pressure systems will move in behind the cold front, providing a calmer and more stable weather pattern. Expect drier conditions and cooler temperatures on Sunday.
- Stay updated with local weather alerts and forecasts.
- Exercise caution while driving during foggy conditions or heavy rainfall.
- Have a plan in place and know where to seek shelter if severe weather develops.
The National Weather Service and local authorities will continue to provide updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to monitor conditions and stay safe throughout the weekend.