Helene (historical)

Helene is a very large and dangerous major hurricane centered about 130 miles west of Tampa and 175 miles south of Tallahassee — with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph and a minimum pressure of 951 mb. The storm is moving north‑northeast at about 23 mph and is expected to bring its core to the Florida Big Bend later this evening. The hurricane has rapidly intensified and the inner eyewall is well defined; tropical‑storm‑force winds are already affecting parts of west‑central and southwestern Florida and conditions will deteriorate rapidly in the hurricane warning area. Helene is large, so damaging winds, storm surge, and dangerous conditions will occur well away from the center. A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is expected along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast, with inundation potentially reaching as high as 20 feet above ground level and accompanied by destructive waves. Storm Surge Warnings are in effect for areas including Mexico Beach to Flamingo and Tampa Bay, and a Hurricane Warning covers Anclote River to Mexico Beach. If local officials have ordered evacuations, your opportunity to leave is almost over. Potentially catastrophic hurricane‑force winds are expected within Helene’s eyewall and will spread inland over northern Florida and southern Georgia at landfall; strong gusts are also expected far inland and over the higher terrain of the southern Appalachians. Take shelter now in the interior of a well‑built structure, follow local evacuation orders and instructions, and remain sheltered until hazardous conditions have passed.