Helene Intensifies into Category 1 Hurricane, Threatens Florida Panhandle with Major Impact by Thursday

(Credit to National Hurricane Center)

Tropical Storm Helene has been declared a category 1 hurricane just before noon today as it moves to the Gulf Coast region. If you are in the potential path of the storm, now is the time to prepare to be without electricity in the upcoming week. Experts believe it could become the strongest and fastest hurricane of the season to hit the United States. It has the potential to be one of the fastest-developing storms in history.

Helene is forecasted to impact the Florida Panhandle as a major hurricane on Thursday (Credit to National Hurricane Center)

(Credit to National Hurricane Center)

Helene is expected to intensify into a Category 3 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico and hit the Big Bend region by Thursday evening, with heavy rainfall anticipated tonight. As of 2 PM EST today, the storm is producing maximum sustained winds of 80 mph and moving northwest at 10 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. ”The Big Bend and Panhandle should be especially prepared for a direct impact,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated at Tuesday’s press conference, alongside Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. According to the newest models, the storm is forecasted to reach as far west as Panama City and as far east as the Big Bend.

There is still time to prepare for Helene as many counties are providing free resources. Stay informed about the available county resources by visiting, FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for an updated list of the emergency management contacts for surrounding counties.