Tropical Storm Helene, located in the northwestern Caribbean Sea near the eastern coast of Cancun, continues to gain strength as it moves towards the U.S. mainland. With sustained winds, now reaching 50 mph, Helene is quickly organizing and intensifying with atmospheric pressure steadily dropping.
The storm is forecasted to track northwest over the next 24 hours, possibly brushing the Yucatan Peninsula before making a sharp turn northward. Helene is expected to accelerate as it crosses the Gulf of Mexico, with projections showing it could become a major hurricane before hitting the Florida Peninsula by Thursday. Current forecasts suggest rapid intensification, raising concerns of significant impacts along the Gulf Coast.
The highest surge levels, projected to reach between 10 and 15 feet, are expected in the Big Bend area. Even Tampa Bay could see water rise between 5 and 8 feet, which would exceed the levels experienced during recent storms.
Other coastal communities, such as Fort Myers and Cedar Key, could face surges of 3 to 5 feet, while the Florida Keys are also bracing for water levels to rise by up to 3 feet.
In addition to wind and surge, Tropical Storm Helene is forecasted to dump heavy rainfall across a large portion of the southeastern U.S. Areas far inland, including cities such as Atlanta, Greenville, and parts of North Carolina, are expected to experience heavy downpours that could lead to flash flooding. Southern Alabama may also see significant rainfall, further highlighting the storm’s wide-ranging impact.
The National Hurricane Center has issued an excessive rainfall outlook, noting that flooding risks will extend well beyond Helene’s immediate path. Residents in these areas are urged to remain cautious and prepare for the possibility of flash flooding as the storm makes its way inland.
Helene’s full impact will become clearer as the storm continues to approach the Gulf of Mexico and Florida.