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.
Significant flooding has impacted multiple areas throughout St. Louis, Missouri, causing widespread disruption and damage.
Heavy rainfall over recent hours has led to swollen rivers, overwhelmed storm drains, and flooded streets, leaving parts of the city and surrounding communities submerged.
Many neighborhoods in St. Louis are experiencing road closures as floodwaters make some streets impassable.
Emergency services have been responding to calls for assistance from residents stranded in their homes or vehicles, while local authorities have urged drivers to avoid any roads covered in water. Numerous vehicles have already been abandoned due to stalled engines and rising waters.
Reports indicate that several businesses and residential properties have been affected by water damage, with basements, parking garages, and lower floors flooding in low-lying areas.
In some neighborhoods, floodwaters have reached several feet, posing risks to both property and public safety. Local officials have opened temporary shelters for those displaced by the rising waters, and utility crews are on standby to address potential power outages in affected areas.
The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for the St. Louis area, advising residents to monitor weather updates and stay alert for any changes in conditions.
Flash flooding remains a concern, as the saturated ground and overwhelmed drainage systems are expected to exacerbate any additional rainfall.
As emergency crews work tirelessly to manage the situation, authorities are urging the public to stay off the roads, seek higher ground if necessary, and remain indoors until conditions improve.
Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to prepare for potential evacuation and secure belongings that could be affected by water damage.