Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen as it barrels toward the US Gulf Coast, threatening to unleash catastrophic winds and storm surge on the north-eastern Gulf Coast.
The category one storm is on track to intensify quickly into a dangerous category four hurricane by the time it makes landfall in Florida on Thursday evening local time, with official forecasts and warnings describing its likely impacts as "catastrophic", "life-threatening" and "unsurvivable".
The governors of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia have declared states of emergency ahead of the storm's landfall.
Helene's Path of Destruction
Helene's journey has been one of increasing intensity, moving north at 12mph (19km/h) through the Gulf of Mexico. The US-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of "rapid intensification" due to exceptionally warm waters of the Gulf at 30-32C (86-89F), which are about two degrees Celsius above normal for the time of year. This will supercharge Helene's development and bring about what meteorologists call "rapid intensification".
The National Weather Service office in Tallahassee said surges caused by the storm could reach a height of up to 6m (20ft) in Apalachee Bay in Florida. It described these potential surges as “catastrophic and unsurvivable” for anyone caught in them.
Storm surges can also be life-threatening further inland, when floodwaters move inland from the coastline.
Evacuations and Preparations
The NHC has urged residents to rush their preparations to protect life and property before the hurricane's arrival. At a news conference, the mayor of Tallahassee, Florida, also warned residents to be prepared.
"We have no more time left to wait," Mayor John Dailey said. "We urge you to stay weather aware as we’re on the verge of what could be… a historic event."
In Georgia, all public schools in Atlanta will close on Thursday and Friday because of the storm.
Wakulla County is one of several to issue evacuation orders. Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, school districts and multiple universities have cancelled classes. Students and staff who live on campus at Florida State University in Tallahassee were told to relocate to the Turnbull Conference Center “to wait out the hurricane” and that they are not allowed to bunker down in residence halls.
Florida A&M University, also in Tallahassee, has a shelter at the Al Lawson Center run by the Red Cross for students and community residents. University residents on campus are “strongly encouraged” to shelter at the center, but students had the option to stay in their residence halls.
Impacts Across the Southeast
All across the south-eastern US, the storm could trigger “catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding”, the NHC said. The NHC has said that once it reaches the south-eastern United States, it is expected to "produce total rain accumulations of five to 10in" (12.7-25.4cm).
A flood watch has been issued from Florida to the southern Appalachians, with the worst-affected area predicted to be the Big Bend region in Florida. Big Bend is where Hurricane Idalia made landfall in 2023. The area was also battered by Hurricane Debby last month.
Florida may feel the brunt of Hurricane Helene but its effects will be felt across the southeastern United States, with an "enhanced risk" of the worst damage expected through northeast Florida into Georgia and South Carolina. The National Weather Service office in Charleston pointed out that all of South Carolina and Georgia are under either hurricane warnings or tropical storm warnings.
Of particular concern is the risk of tornadoes through today and tonight, the NWS said.
A History of Powerful Storms
These powerful tropical storms are generally becoming more intense as the world warms. Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year because of record-warm ocean temperatures.
A Call for Action
Florida is facing 48 hours of dangerous extreme weather as Hurricane Helene heads across the Gulf of Mexico. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee forecast storm surges of up to 20 feet (6 meters) and warned they could be particularly “catastrophic and life-threatening” in Florida’s Apalachee Bay. It added that high winds and heavy rains also posed risks.
People along the Florida coast at risk of dangerous storm surges should leave now and not take any chances, says Max Defender 8 Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli, with NBC affiliate WFLA of Tampa.
“You cannot survive 20 feet or even 15 feet of storm surge,” he said. “If you’re near the water and you know you’re going to flood, especially if you’re in a mobile home, too. You’ve got to go. You cannot take your chances. This is not survivable.”
Residents in Tallahassee, Florida, made some last minute preparations on Wednesday ahead of Hurricane Helene’s arrival.
A Time for Vigilance
As Helene approaches, it's crucial to stay informed and follow official guidance. We must remember that these natural disasters are not just events – they are powerful forces that require our full attention and preparation. The safety of our communities and loved ones depends on our collective vigilance.
Hurricane Helene is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for such events. With the right measures and a spirit of unity, we can navigate this storm and emerge stronger than ever before.
