Hurricane Helene Looms Over Florida’s Gulf Coast, Prompting Evacuations

Tropical Storm Helene is on track to intensify rapidly into a Category 3 hurricane and is expected to impact the Gulf Coast imminently. Current warnings and hurricane watches extend across Cuba, Mexico, and nearly the entire Gulf Coast of Florida, according to meteorological reports from the National Hurricane Center.

Forecasts show Helene gaining strength in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with its path set to accelerate towards the eastern Gulf Coast by Wednesday. A National Weather Service map reveals the storm projected to move north, passing through the Florida Panhandle by Thursday night, with Tallahassee positioned centrally in its forecast path. The storm’s remnants are expected to progress into Alabama and Georgia by Friday, continuing northwards towards Tennessee and the Midwest over the weekend.

As of 7 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday, Helene is nearing hurricane strength, situated approximately 60 miles east-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and 100 miles southwest of Cuba’s western extremity. Reports from the National Hurricane Center indicate maximum sustained winds at 70 mph, advancing northwest at 9 mph. The Florida Panhandle is anticipated to experience strong winds and deteriorating weather conditions by Thursday morning, with predictions the storm will weaken as it enters Georgia.

Severe weather conditions are expected across the Southeast, including potential tropical storm-force winds inland. The most significant concern involves dangerous storm surges along the coast, particularly from the Ochlockonee River to Chassahowitzka, with surges predicted between 10 and 15 feet. Nearby locales might see surges of 5 to 10 feet, whereas the Tampa Bay area could experience between 5 and 8 feet of storm surge.

In anticipation of flooding and other disasters, the Florida Division of Emergency Management provides residents access to an evacuation route map through its platform. Rainfall expectations for Florida include one to two inches broadly, with coastal areas potentially receiving much more. Meanwhile, the Panhandle and parts of southern Georgia and Alabama are predicted to be hit with four to six inches, with Tallahassee possibly seeing up to eight inches.

Governor Ron DeSantis urged Floridians to conclude preparations for the incoming storm, highlighting potential power outages. As a precaution, 12 healthcare facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, are proceeding with evacuations, with more possibly following suit as conditions evolve. “All Floridians should be ready, as we expect widespread power disruptions,” DeSantis advised.

ABC News’ Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, emphasized that 64 of Florida’s 67 counties are under some alert, with only Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties not currently under any watch or warning.