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.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Emergency responders are working multiple rescue calls after a confirmed tornado touched down west of Bloomington and moved directly toward the city, prompting urgent shelter warnings across the region.
The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for Bloomington, Ellettsville, and Clear Creek until 7:30 p.m. EST, describing the situation as particularly dangerous.
The tornado was confirmed on the ground approximately eight miles west of Bloomington and moving east at an estimated 40 miles per hour.
Authorities report that multiple homes have sustained significant damage, with early indications that several individuals may be trapped inside residences impacted by the storm.
Emergency crews are actively conducting search and rescue operations in affected neighborhoods.
Communities directly in the projected path included Bloomington, Ellettsville, the campus of Indiana University Bloomington, Solsberry, and Whitehall.
Meteorologists warned that the storm was capable of producing destructive winds and hail up to the size of ping pong balls. Officials emphasized that the tornado posed a serious threat to life and property.
Residents in the warned area were urged to seek shelter immediately — preferably in a basement or on the lowest level of a sturdy structure, inside an interior room away from windows.
Authorities stressed not to delay action while waiting for visual confirmation of the tornado.
Emergency management officials continue to monitor the storm’s track and assess damage. Additional updates are expected as response efforts continue and more information becomes available.