Helene’s stronger, faster, the Panhandle braces for devastation
FPREN –
6:20 p.m. update:
The National Hurricane Center’s hourly updates indicate that Helene is now a category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 130 mph. It is an extremely dangerous hurricane about 165 south of Tallahassee.
5 p.m. update
Hurricane Helene continues to become even stronger. In the 5 p.m. bulletin, the National Hurricane Center says Helene holds maximum sustained winds of 125 mph and is moving even faster at 23 mph to the north-northeast. As the hurricane inches closer, a catastrophic and deadly storm surge will start along parts of the Panhandle and Big Bend. Large waves are already slamming against the West Coast of Florida, and waters will continue to rise as the storm moves northward.
Large wind storm
Power outages have doubled in the last two hours, and over 200,000 customers are now without power. Power outages will continue to increase across the state and will be widespread across the Panhandle. Wind will quickly start to increase and penetrate across the Panhandle. Violent winds or at least 130 mph will affect the areas where the eye lands, especially to the right or east of the center.
Large wind storm
Power outages have doubled in the last two hours, and over 200,000 customers are now without power. Power outages will continue to increase across the state and will be widespread across the Panhandle. Wind will quickly start to increase and penetrate across the Panhandle. Violent winds or at least 130 mph will affect the areas where the eye lands, especially to the right or east of the center.
Flash floods likely
Rainfall will be extensive, especially across the panhandle of north Florida. Flash flooding is possible, especially as Helene inches closer. Heavy rains will continue to move up the state. Some of these heavy rains have had thunderstorms embedded in them.
The tornado watch has expired across South Florida but continues to be in effect for areas north of Lake Okeechobee.
Story by FPREN Meteorologist Irene Sans
