The Potential Path of Hurricane Helene 2024: Current Updates
The real-time tracking of hurricanes allows meteorologists to detect dramatic changes in their pathways. This is more successful than the hurricane forecast reports these days. The advanced satellite techniques enable real-time measurements of the upper level of winds, sea surface temperature, moisture, precipitation, and temperature. This way, meteorologists warn local governments and the population in advance. Hurricane track reports allow timely evacuation and preparation of emergency services in coastal regions.
Based on the hurricane track reports, the US government declared Florida evacuation for parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast. This declaration came when Hurricane Helene 2024 formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea. The evacuation is underway as the Helene landfall will strike the Gulf coast. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric prediction, this is the strongest storm in the US this year. Read the following article to learn about the current updates on Hurricane Helene.
What We Know So Far About Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene swept from the Caribbean Sea on Tuesday afternoon. As always, the warm water of the Caribbean Sea is an ideal destination for tropical cyclones. The storm formation was located near Cancun, Mexico with sustained winds of 45mph (72 kph). This location is the closest to the western tip of Cuba. Since its origination, it has strengthened as a major cyclone with breakneck speed.
Hurricane Helene would move north toward the US. National Hurricane Center projects that Hurricane Helene’s strength is forecasted to intensify into a Category 3 storm. It may hit landfall between Panama City and Cedar Key on the Gulf Coast of Florida by Thursday evening. It is projected to strike with strong winds of up to 115mph, a storm surge of 5-10 feet, and heavy rainfall of up to 12 inches.
Tropical storm watches and emergency warnings have been issued for parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast, from Anclote River to Mexico Beach. The Mexican government has also issued an emergency alert from Cabo Catoche to Tulum.
Helene Cyclone found a way to move through the Gulf of Mexico to Florida. Its maximum sustained winds escalated to 60 mph with higher strength on Tuesday night, according to a Hurricane Helene update. It was moving northwest at 10mph.
Current Path and Projections
Let’s explore the current Hurricane trajectory here to study Hurricane Helene’s Path and its potential threat:
- A map from the National Hurricane Center shows the storm rapidly intensifying and is forecast to pass through the Florida Panhandle on Thursday night.
- Tallahassee is the centre of the forecast path. Therefore, emergency evacuation has been declared for three counties i.e. Big Band, Franklin, and Taylor County.
- It is anticipated that the remainder of the tropical storm may pass through Alabama and Georgia on Friday morning. It may hit these places with hazardous winds and stormy rainfall.
- Then, it may pass over Huntsville and Atlanta to leave its destructive signs in their major places.
- By the weekend, it is projected to reach the Midwest through the Tennessee River.
For Thursday morning, hurricane projections forecasted that strong winds may hit the Florida Panhandle. Meteorologists expect the storm may weaken as it would find a way to enter Georgia. However, hurricane-force winds are forecast to severely hit parts of the Southeast, including the Carolinas.
Impact on Affected Regions
When America Hurricane Helene hits the Gulf Coast of Florida, the dangerous storm will cause devastation between Panama City and Tampa with storm surges between 10 and 15 feet. Nearby areas including Tampa Bay may encounter a heavy storm surge between 5 and 8 feet. Additionally, Florida Keys are forecast to experience between 1 and 3 feet of storm surge.
Presently, major parts of Florida are projected to see one or two inches of rain. But, the areas along the Florida coast may see more rainfall accumulation of up to 12 inches. The center of the storm Tallahassee is expected to see rainfall of up to 8 inches and Floridan parts of the Panhandle, Southern Georgia, and Alabama are forecast to bear the rainfall accumulation of up to 4 to 6 inches with heavy gusts. The source of the shared hurricane news is the National Hurricane Center.
Hurricane landfall may damage the infrastructure and cause power outages, disruptions in transportation, and displacement of residents in affected regions. Furthermore, it will cause the worst consequences on ecosystems. Many seabirds and stranded animals may go hundreds of miles from their natural habitat with floodwaters.
In response to Hurricane Helene’s impact, the Florida state government has issued evacuation orders for 13 counties. Federal authorities have deployed power restoration teams and electric generators to combat unexpected power outages. The rescue team with emergency food and water supplies have also been deployed.
Comparing Hurricane Helene 2024 with Past Hurricanes
As of Tuesday evening, Hurricane Helene’s barometric pressure was 995 millibars. It is anticipated that it will go lower as the storm intensifies. For Hurricane Helene comparison, Category 5 Hurricane Ian’s pressure was 937 millibars when it hit the Florida Gulf coast in September 2022.
Last year in the month of August, Category 3 Idalia made landfall in the US. Like the anticipated Hurricane Helene impact in the Big Bend region, Idalia generated a huge storm from Tampa to Big Bend.
But, Hurricane Helene is the worst in contrast to past hurricane impacts of major Hurricanes in the Atlantic like Idalia and Eta.
Preparedness Measures and Safety Tips
Here are the hurricane preparedness and safety tips for Hurricane Helene:
- Pay attention to the warning information and emergency plans for hurricanes declared by NOAA and NHC. This will keep you informed about emergency evacuation
- If the local government or official declares mandatory evacuation, do so immediately
- Take shelter in a designated storm refuge house
- Go to the highest floor of the building
- Avoid climbing into a closed attic
- Do not swim and drive through floodwaters
Follow the above hurricane safety tips to save yourself and your family members.
Environmental and Economic Effects
The destructive hurricane’s environmental effects go beyond what you can imagine this time. Hazardous winds and uncontrollable flooding can uproot plants and kill stranded animals. With its strong force winds, it can destroy the chemicals and gas stations, causing the release of toxic pollutants into the environment.
The most immediate potential economic impact of Hurricane Helene is physical infrastructure damage. Storm surges, rainfall accumulation, high winds, and flooding can cause significant damage to private/public buildings, roads, bridges, transportation, and power supply. Its devastating impact on agriculture is forecasted to disrupt the food supply chain.
The federal government will likely announce monetary aid to support the storm damage cost in the post-catastrophic period. Private or public insurance companies will indemnify the loss or damage to property with financial compensation.
Latest Updates and Ongoing Monitoring
The National Hurricane Center issues Hurricane Helen live updates every six hours at 5 am, 11 am, 5 pm, and 11 pm EDT. People residing in the most affected areas should keep a watchful eye on these updates. The ongoing storm monitoring will help them one step ahead of the forecasted devastating impacts. Meteorologists use advanced hurricane-tracking tools to keep you alert and safe.
Conclusion
Based on the hurricane Helene outlook, it is anticipated that it can significantly cause devastating damage to the economy, environment, and human life in the US. It may lead to the loss of billions of dollars to the US economy. The worst thing is that no scientific measure can reverse the issue. Only hurricane preparedness can keep you informed about immediate evacuation and emergency shelter.
FAQs
- What category is Hurricane Helene 2024?
Hurricane Helene will be a Category 3 storm when it reaches the Gulf Coast of Florida by Thursday evening. Presently, it is moving toward Florida at a fast speed to cause the utmost destruction and chaos.
- Which areas are most at risk from Hurricane Helene?
Major parts of Florida, areas along the coast of Florida, Southern Georgia, and Alabama are at high risk from Hurricane Helene.
- How can I stay updated on Hurricane Helene’s path?
Keep visiting the official website of NHC. National Hurricane Center issues Hurricane Helen live updates every six hours at 5 am, 11 am, 5 pm, and 11 pm EDT.
- Will Hurricane Helene affect travel plans in the Caribbean or the U.S.?
Based on the current data, Hurricane Helene is expected to grow stronger and stronger before making landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Yes, it will affect travel plans in the Caribbean or the US.
- How do hurricanes like Helene form in the Atlantic?
The warm water of the Atlantic Ocean fuels hurricanes like Helene.
Reference Links –
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?start
https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-assistance-hurricane-helene-available-247
