Topline

Hurricane Helene strengthened to a Category 3 hurricane on Thursday, ahead of what forecasters warn will be a devastating landfall in Florida, with the National Hurricane Center urging that “preparations to protect life and property” are “being expedited to completion.” brought”.

Key facts

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What is storm surge?

Storm surge is the “abnormal rise of water generated by a storm” that exceeds normal tide levels, according to the National Weather Service. Storm surges are caused by strong onshore winds from a tropical storm or hurricane, and storm surges from tropical cyclones are the leading cause of fatalities from hurricanes, according to the National Hurricane Center.

How much storm surge is expected?

A storm surge warning is in effect for almost the entire Gulf Coast of Florida. In the 2 p.m. update, NHC warned that the surge could cause water to reach 15 to 20 feet from Carrabelle, Florida, to the Suwannee River; 3-5 meters from Apalachicola to Carrabelle and Suwannee River to Chassahowitzka; 8 to 10 feet from Chassahowitzka to the Anclote River; and 6 to 10 feet from Indian Pass to Apalachicola. Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor are expected to have peaks of 5 to 8 feet and 11 feet, respectively.

How much rain is Helene expected to bring?

Six to 12 inches of rain is expected in the parts of the southeastern U.S. affected by the storm, with isolated totals up to 20 inches, which “will likely result in catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flooding and urban flooding, along with significant river flooding . ”

Did Helene trigger evacuation orders in Florida?

Yes. As of Thursday afternoon, the Florida Division of Emergency Management said mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders had been issued in dozens of counties, with 22 mandatory evacuation orders.

Does Helene have influence over airlines?

Tampa International Airport closed to the public at 2 a.m. Thursday in anticipation of Hurricane Helene and will reopen when the storm passes. Airlines have issued travel warnings ahead of the storm and are allowing potentially affected passengers to change their plans free of charge, including United Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and Frontier.

Crucial quote

“Catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of Florida’s Big Bend coast,” the National Hurricane Center said. “Preparations to protect lives and property should be completed by early Thursday.”

Important background

Helene is the eighth storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and comes weeks after Francine made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 on September 11. Forecasters predicted this year will be the busiest storm season (from June 1 to November 30) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has ever made predictions – up to 25 named storms and 13 hurricanes – but the season so far hasn’t been as active as predicted.

Read more

ForbesHurricane Helene: Airlines issue travel warnings as storm heads toward FloridaBy means of Suzanne Rowan KelleherForbesGovernment forecasters are issuing the worst hurricane season forecasts in their history – here’s whyBy means of Brian BushardForbesHurricane Francine makes landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2By means of Mary Whitfill Roeloffs