MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen as it moves across the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Sustained winds were still 85 mph, with significant strengthening expected. As of the 10 p.m. advisory, the pressure had now dropped to 972 millibars. The National Hurricane Center predicts the storm will reach Category 4 strength before making landfall.

This is an unusually large hurricane in terms of size. The tropical storm force wind field extends 345 miles from the center!

Storm surges could be in the 15-20 foot range for Apalachee Bay. Significant winds are expected near and far east of the center. The Florida peninsula, most of Georgia, and parts of South Carolina will experience tropical storm conditions.

The hurricane was moving north at 9 mph. A turn to the north-northeast is expected tonight and Thursday. The forecast models are in full agreement, making this a very reliable forecast. An upper trough should prevent Helene from directly impacting our area. Tomorrow night, the hurricane has a good chance of making landfall in the Florida Big Bend region.

The core of the storm will move over the warmest water in the Gulf. The high oceanic heat content of the Gulf Loop Current will fuel the intensification. The upper air environment and the absence of upper level wind shear will also support the strengthening.

Locally, we expect rough surf and dangerous rip currents on our beaches. Rain chances are highest along the western Panhandle, particularly in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties. We could see tropical storm conditions in those locations. Tides could be 1-2 feet above normal. Overall, our impacts will be minor compared to our neighbors to the east.

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