A fierce storm currently barreling towards Florida will transform into a “monster” hurricane this week, experts have warned.
Hurricane Helen is due make landfall in the state’s Big Bend region on Wednesday or Thursday, with one weather-modeling system predicting that it looks set to be a Category 5 event; the strongest possible level, with winds over 155mph. However, other model forecasts suggest that it may come in as a Category 2 or 3 hurricane instead.
In any case, Helene’s power is likely to be destructive and dangerous, with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warning of the “potential for life-threatening” storm surges, as “Potential Tropical Cyclone 9” whips up the winds ahead of the hurricane transformation.
Hurricane Debby batters a neighborhood on August 5, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Hurricane Helene began life as a series of thunderstorms in the Caribbean but will pick up in intensity over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico before it slams into the U.S.
Power outages and storm surges are all but guaranteed, according to meteorologist Chad Myers. The storm is due to hit by Wednesday and could become “a major hurricane by Thursday,” he told CNN viewers. “What we do know is that there will be significant power outages, there will be an awful lot of flooding.”
Meteorologist Cory Kowtiz posted some graphics on X (formerly Twitter) showing the storm as it whipped itself up over the ocean. “As of now, the HMON model is calling for soon-to-be #HurricaneHelene to be a monster cat 5, whereas the HWRF, is calling for a high-end cat 2/low-end cat 3 at landfall on Thursday,” he wrote.
There are five categories used to describe any given hurricane’s strength, according to the SAFFIR-SIMPSON Hurricane Scale. The spectrum runs the gamut from Category 1 (winds of 74 to 95mph) up to Category 5 (winds greater than 155mph). That highest level will result in “extensive damage” including “many complete building failures and small buildings overturned or blown away,” as stated in a U.S. Navy document about hurricanes. Significant storm surges and flooding are likely, with “massive evacuation of residential areas” possibly required, the Navy added. Injuries and deaths are also likely.
In contrast, Category 2 storms see winds of between 96 to 110mph likely to cause “considerable damage,” with evacuation from shoreline homes likely to be necessary. While Category 3 storms have winds of between 111 to 130mph, which can result in “serious flooding at coast” and damaged buildings, along with “massive evacuation of all residences.”
The NHC has also been sharing trackers on its website and X page. Its advisory for Tuesday morning can be viewed below:
The National Hurricane Center has been issuing advisories; the storm’s predicted path toward Florida is shown on the two graphics.
National Hurricane Center
Weather Network meteorologist Rachel Modestino also posted a graphic on X showing the storm’s most likely path.
“The swerve of soon to be #Helene between Mexico and Cuba is unreal,” she captioned the clip. “Minimal topography disruptions to its development into a major #hurricane AND follows the juice of the Loop Current… this will be a big one in a short 72 hours.”
She is not the only expert to be alarmed by the intensity of the storm.
Digital meteorologist Jeff Huffman posted on X: “If the current forecast holds on #Helene, it will tie the fastest rate of intensification explicitly predicted by the NHC [National Hurricane Center] since 2000.”
The NHC has warned residents to follow their forecasts regularly to obtain the most up-to-date information. “Residents should ensure they have their hurricane plan in place, and also follow advice given by local officials,” a spokesperson said.
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