Hurricane Warnings in Effect as Helene Barrels Towards Florida

Hurricane Helene is now a Category 2 hurricane, forecast to make landfall in Florida tonight. It brings the risk of storm surges, heavy winds, and enough rainfall to cause inland flooding. 

The storm's impacts are expected to reach inland areas through Friday afternoon. Families in parts of Georgia, the Carolinas, and even Tennessee should brace for flash floods, damaging winds, and tornadoes.

Right now, the storm is about 320 miles southwest of Tampa. It’s slowly moving north-northeast at 15 mph with winds of 100 mph. Rain bands have already reached Florida, leading to flash flood and tornado warnings. This morning, wind gusts were measured at 64 mph in Fort Lauderdale and 56 mph in Naples.

When this storm’s low wind shear meets the warm Gulf Coast waters, it could strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane – or higher – before it makes landfall tonight.