Tropical Storm Helene Strengthens into Hurricane as It Moves Through the Gulf – Reuters

By Rich McKay and Brendan O’Brien

Tropical Storm Helene is on the verge of becoming a hurricane as it quickly intensifies in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, posing a serious threat of life-threatening storm surge to Florida within the next couple of days.

Currently, over 40 million residents across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama are under hurricane and tropical storm warnings as Helene moves northwest, close to the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, according to the National Weather Service.

In Florida, evacuations are being mandated along the Gulf coast, including areas like Sarasota and Charlotte counties. Multiple counties, such as Hillsborough and Pinellas, have also announced school closures.

Pinellas County officials have ordered evacuations for long-term healthcare facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living centers, and hospitals along the coast. This county is situated on a peninsula bordered by Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

"Now, you still have time to prepare, review your hurricane plan, and ensure that you are executing it," stated Governor Ron DeSantis during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Helene is currently packing winds of 70 mph, just short of hurricane strength. It is anticipated to reach hurricane status later today as it moves over the warm waters of the Gulf, according to meteorologists.

The storm is projected to rapidly intensify over the eastern Gulf and could become a major hurricane by Thursday. Forecasts estimate that it will reach Category 3 strength before making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area south of Tallahassee.

A major hurricane corresponds to Categories 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and is capable of inflicting severe or catastrophic damage.

The storm is expected to generate a dangerous storm surge of up to 15 feet and could drop as much as 15 inches of rain in isolated areas, leading to significant flash flooding and urban flooding, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Residents in the storm’s potential path are advised to prepare for possible power outages lasting up to a week, as indicated by Florida emergency officials in a briefing.