FRANKLIN, TN – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued information regarding Hurricane Helene, which is expected to intensify near hurricane strength as it approaches the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday.
Forecasters predict that Helene will rapidly strengthen as it moves into the eastern Gulf of Mexico, with a significant risk of storm surges along Florida’s entire west coast and the Florida Big Bend, according to the NOAA.
The highest levels of storm surge are expected in the Big Bend region, where residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and heed advice from local authorities.
Helene’s damaging winds are anticipated to reach hurricane force along portions of the Florida Big Bend by early Thursday, with tropical storm conditions arriving later that day, according to the NOAA.
Heavy rains are also predicted to affect parts of the western Caribbean, with the potential for dangerous flooding and mudslides in western Cuba.
Photo byNOAA/National Weather Service