Hurricane Helene strengthens into Category 4 storm

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:
Helene

The Weather Authority continues its coverage of Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm set to hit the northern part of Florida.

According to the National Hurricane Center’s 8 p.m. Thursday advisory, Helene is moving
toward the north-northeast near 23 mph and is expected to continue with a significant increase in forward speed throughout the day.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 130 mph with higher gusts.

The storm will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and cross the Florida Big Bend coast Thursday evening or early Friday morning.

After landfall, Helene is expected to slow down and turn toward the northwest over the southeastern United States on Friday and Saturday.

Storm surges will be likely in multiple areas, including 3-5 feet from Englewood to Flamingo and Charlotte Harbor.

The Weather Authority Meteorologist Zach Maloch said, “Helene will be rapidly strengthened offshore of Southwest Florida throughout the day. Around late afternoon is when we can expect to see surge events occurring.”

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for:

  • Mexico Beach eastward and southward to Flamingo
  • Tampa Bay
  • Charlotte Harbor

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for…

  • Anclote River to Mexico Beach

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for…

  • Englewood to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for…

  • The Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas
  • Flamingo to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay
  • West of Mexico Beach to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line
  • Flamingo northward to Little River Inlet
  • Lake Okeechobee

While the storm’s center won’t directly impact Southwest Florida, we’ll see impactful and stormy weather through Friday.

Meanwhile, there is a new tropical disturbance in the area of the Caribbean that spawned the storms that ultimately became Hurricane Helene

Tropical Disturbance 2 has a 20% chance of development over the next seven days.

The system is moving in a general northwest direction.

Download the WINK Weather appstream the latest forecast or WINK Doppler 3x anywhere you go.

If you see any dramatic weather images that you want featured in a story online or on air, send them tips@winknews.com.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.