The National Hurricane Center warns that Helene will hit Florida as a strong hurricane on Thursday, bringing wind and rain inland over the next few days.

National Hurricane Center

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National Hurricane Center

Meteorologists say Tropical Storm Helene will quickly strengthen into a “major hurricane” as it heads toward Florida, where it is expected to make landfall on Thursday.

The storm, which formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, is expected to “intensify and reach near hurricane strength” as it passes near the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in a report early morning warning.

Maximum sustained winds are around 65 mph, with higher gusts. Category 1 hurricane must have a maximum sustained wind speed of at least 119 kilometers per hour. According to meteorologists, it is only a matter of time before that happens.

“Strengthening is forecast and Helene is expected to become a hurricane later today,” the NHC said.

Forecasters expect Helene to grow even larger and more powerful over the Gulf of Mexico before reaching the coast of Big Bend, Florida, on Thursday evening.

“Preparations to protect lives and property should be completed early Thursday morning as tropical storms are expected in the area from Thursday,” authorities said.

Meteorologists say the storm could reach maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (193 km/h) by Thursday evening, making it a Category 3 hurricane.

According to the NHC, there is a risk of life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of the Florida peninsula and Big Bend, Florida. This is the northern area where the panhandle meets the peninsula and where the highest flooding is expected.

“The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be inundated by rising waters flowing inland from the shoreline,” the report said, warning that the Ochlockonee River could peak as high as 3 to 4.5 metres.

Meteorologists are also warning of hurricane-force winds in parts of the Big Bend.

But they say the effects could be felt outside the cone too, wind hazards extending considerably inland.

As of Wednesday morning, a hurricane warning is in effect for parts of Florida from the Anclote River to Mexico Beach, meaning hurricane conditions are expected in the area within 36 hours. A hurricane warning is in effect from Englewood to the Anclote River, including Tampa Bay, meaning hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.

Tropical storm warnings are also in effect for the Upper Florida Keys, the southern Florida peninsula and the northeast coast of Florida.

The National Weather Service says Wednesday is the last full day for Florida residents to prepare for the storm — including putting together an emergency kit, reviewing an emergency plan and registering for local weather alertsPeople should also check if they live in an evacuation zone.

Twenty counties in Florida fall under voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders Wednesday morning, according to the state’s emergency management department. It is also offering assistance take people to shelters in the Big Bend region.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis state of emergency declared for 61 counties (out of 67) on Tuesday, allowing officials to make resources available in advance of the storm. President Biden also a state of emergency declared.

DeSantis said in a tweet that Florida has 18,000 emergency responders on standby, and that number is growing, as well as search and rescue teams and road clearing crews.

“As always, Florida will prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” he added.

Southern states brace for impacts of Hurricane Florida

Current models of Helene’s path show the storm moving inland, moving through Georgia and parts of Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky over the weekend.

The NHC has issued a tropical storm warning for the South Carolina coast, north of the Savannah River.

Potentially life-threatening flash flooding and urban flooding are also expected across parts of Florida, the Southeast, the southern Appalachians and the Tennessee Valley from Wednesday through Friday.

“This includes the risk of landslides in the southern Appalachians,” it adds.

Tornadoes are possible Wednesday night in parts of the western Florida peninsula and southern Alabama. The chance increases on Thursday, expanding to Florida and parts of Georgia and South Carolina.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency and officials warn there of a “fast-moving” storm that could bring rainfall across the state, as well as high winds and significant power outages in some areas.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is advising residents to stay home and be prepared to be without power for at least 72 hours.