Tropical Storm Helene Develops in Caribbean, Expected to Impact Florida as a Category 3 Hurricane

Florida has expanded its state of emergency to 61 counties as of Sept. 24, in preparation for the potential impact of Hurricane Helene, announced Governor Ron DeSantis.

Initially identified as Tropical Storm Helene by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the 11 a.m. advisory update, it is forecasted to intensify rapidly and make landfall in the Florida Panhandle as a Category 3 Hurricane on Sept. 26.

A storm surge warning has been issued for most of the Florida Gulf Coast, from Mexico Beach to the Florida Keys.

Key West and the lower Keys are under a tropical storm warning, with the Big Bend area expecting 10-15 feet of storm surge, and Tampa Bay bracing for 5-8 feet of surge.

Tropical storm-force winds are anticipated to reach the Tampa Bay area by the afternoon of Sept. 25.

During a press conference at the Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee at 9:30 a.m., Governor DeSantis mentioned that all counties except Southeast Florida could be affected by the storm.

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Kevin Guthrie, director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, mentioned that tropical-storm-force winds will extend 250 miles from the center, impacting the entire width of the peninsula from the Big Bend to the Space Coast.

The storm is expected to reach hurricane status by Sept. 25 morning and grow into a major hurricane with winds over 110 mph by Sept. 26 early hours.

Due to a high-pressure system heading eastward over Florida and the southeast U.S., the NHC predicts a slight westward shift in the storm’s track on Sept. 24, but a Category 3 Hurricane landfall is still probable around Apalachee Bay.

However, the NHC emphasizes that uncertainties remain on the storm’s impact due to its center’s location, advising against focusing too much on specific landfall predictions this far ahead.

Governor DeSantis cautioned against solely relying on the forecast cone of uncertainty and highlighted the potential significant impacts beyond it depending on slight movements east or west.

He specifically mentioned that an easterly track could bring heightened storm surges to Florida’s west coast, like Tampa Bay.

The governor issued a preliminary emergency declaration on Sept. 23, activating essential measures in anticipation of a major hurricane.

He also requested a pre-landfall emergency declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Governor DeSantis shared that 3,000 members of Florida’s National Guard are prepared to support FDEM during the crisis.

The Florida State Guard has been mobilized, including teams for shallow water rescues, flood response, and search and rescue operations.

Preventative measures by the Florida Department of Transportation include monitoring flood-prone areas, enhancing drainage systems, and deploying resources across the state.

Utility providers have stationed 18,000 linemen to address potential power outages, with additional resources in transit.

Deployed flood protection devices have proven effective in previous hurricanes, protecting utility installations from flood damage.

Starlink units are poised for distribution to ensure online connectivity during the storm, especially for businesses reliant on the Internet.

Governor DeSantis and Director Guthrie advised residents to finalize storm preparations promptly, anticipate power disruptions, and comply with evacuation directives issued by local authorities.

When asked about his plans in the event of a direct hit, DeSantis confirmed he would remain in Tallahassee, operating from the hurricane-proof Emergency Operations Center.

Despite the approaching storm, Governor DeSantis intended to attend a scheduled event in the Tampa Bay Area on Sept. 25, with plans to visit essential response teams along the way.

Should the storm maintain its predicted path, it would be the third hurricane hitting Florida’s Big Bend region within a 13-month period.