Storm Helene forecast to hit Florida as ‘catastrophic’ category four hurricane

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Tropical Storm Helene has been upgraded to a hurricane and is expected to strengthen to a category four before reaching Florida later today (Thursday).

Category four hurricanes can lead to severe destruction, featuring wind speeds ranging from 130 to 156 mph. Helene is expected to hit land near the Big Bend area of northern Florida, which encompasses the state capital, Tallahassee. A storm warning has been announced for several locations, including the Florida Keys and much of the western coast of Florida.

The National Hurricane Center has issued a warning about a potentially deadly situation, predicting storm surges of at least 9 feet and possibly reaching up to 20 feet in the Big Bend area, which is expected to experience the most severe impacts from the surge.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a state of emergency. Tallahassee's Mayor, John Dailey, has indicated that the storm might lead to damage on an unprecedented scale. Additionally, the National Weather Service (NWS) has cautioned that storm surges in certain parts of the capital could be catastrophic.

The National Weather Service warned that there is a possibility of flooding in Cuba and the western Caribbean. They stated, "Helene is expected to bring heavy rainfall to parts of the western Caribbean, which could lead to serious flooding in western Cuba and the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula. Significant flash flooding and urban flooding, which may pose serious risks to life, are anticipated in areas of Florida, the southeast, the Southern Appalachians, and the Tennessee Valley starting today and continuing through Friday."

Helene was initially expected to reach category three status as it approached Florida, following its crossing over Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has revised its guidance regarding Mexico, stating: "Tropical Storm Helene has strengthened into a hurricane."

A hurricane watch and warnings for tropical storms have been issued for the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula.

"Hurricane Helene is still impacting the northern, central, and southwestern areas of Quintana Roo, as well as the northeastern and southwestern regions of Yucatan. Local officials have issued a red alert for several locations in Quintana Roo, including Puerto Morelos, Lázaro Cárdenas, Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres," the FCDO stated.