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Storm Helene has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane with 80 mph winds as it advances across Mexico’s coast towards the US.
Just over a month after Storm Debby hurtled into the Sunshine State, Hurricane Helene now threatens to become the strongest storm to hit the US in over a year as it is expected to make landfall near Florida’s Big Bend region on Thursday. If it does, Helene will be the fourth hurricane to make landfall in the US this year.
Hurricane Helene is expected to further strengthen into a Category 3 storm as it brings life-threatening rain, floods and storm surge to Florida.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, and several areas are under hurricane warnings. Florida’s Big Bend will see the worst of the storm surge, with up to 15 feet possible this week.
“Tornadoes are probable and high winds, life-threatening storm surge and flooding cannot be ruled out,” Florida’s emergency chief, Kevin Guthrie, said on Wednesday.
The storm’s center approached the Yucatán Peninsula Wednesday morning, churning between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
In pictures: Storm Helene batters Cancún
Katie Hawkinson25 September 2024 16:28
Helene reaches hurricane strength
Storm Helene has reached hurricane strength with 80 mph sustained winds, the National Weather Service announced moments ago.
The hurricane will likely reach Category 3 before it makes landfall in Florida on Thursday.
The storm is likely to bring “life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flooding rains to a large portion of Florida and the southeastern United States,” according to the NWS.
Katie Hawkinson25 September 2024 16:02
Helene to hit Florida as state still recovering from Hurricane Ian in 2022
Storm Helene, which is expected to strengthen to Category 3 today, will batter Florida as the state continues recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian, a devastating storm that hit in 2022.
Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa, Florida, two years ago. Meanwhile, Helene is set to make landfall slightly north, near Florida’s Big Bend region.
Hurricane Ian is the costliest to ever hit Florida and the third-costliest in US history.
The agency also allocated $2.3 billion to reimburse state, local and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations for storm-related costs.
Katie Hawkinson25 September 2024 15:45
Watch: Storm Helene batters Cancun
Katie Hawkinson25 September 2024 15:28
State emergency chief warns residents of Helene’s impact
Florida’s emergency chief, Kevin Guthrie, warned the effects of Helene will be far-reaching.
“Tropical storm force winds can be filled up to 250 miles from the center,” Guthrie explained at a Wednesday morning press conference
“Tornadoes are probable and high winds, life-threatening storm surge and flooding cannot be ruled out,” he added.
Guthrie urged residents to keep their devices on to receive emergency alerts and to have an evacuation plan in place.
Katie Hawkinson25 September 2024 15:08
Tracking Helene: Where is it now?
Tropical Storm Helene is set to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane today as it approaches Florida.
The storm will make landfall on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, bringing powerful winds, floods and life-threatening storm surge as thousands evacuate.
Florida’s Big Bend will see the worst of the storm surge, with up to 15 feet possible this week.
Katie Hawkinson25 September 2024 14:54
Satellite imagery: Tropical Storm Helene rages through the Caribbean
Katie Hawkinson25 September 2024 14:44
Diagram: How high could Florida’s ‘life-threatening’ storm surge reach?
James Liddell25 September 2024 14:30
Floridians out in droves as they prepare for hurricane-force wins
James Liddell25 September 2024 14:17
Florida’s Task Force 2 search and rescue team deployed
Miami Fire Rescue’s search and rescue team Task Force 2 has been deployed, as its 80-member team were on standby with equipment and supplies in its warehouse on Wednesday morning.
Task Force 2 which specializes in swift water rescue and disaster response.
Equipped with SUVs, box trucks, tractors and boats loaded with food and medical supplies, the unit will head to Orlando where it will be stationed until the storm passes.
“We are expecting a Category 3 (hurricane) to enter through the Big Bend, not exactly sure where it’s going to enter, but on the west coast and as you see the storm surge is the biggest concern. So we have water specialists who are specially trained for swift water rescues to help the victims,” he told CBS News.
James Liddell25 September 2024 13:58
