Okaloosa Public Safety and the National Weather Service issue update on Tropical Storm Helene
Destin, Florida – According to the most recent update from Okaloosa Public Safety and the National Weather Service, the weather disturbance previously known as PTC9 has intensified and is now officially recognized as Tropical Storm Helene. Helene is traveling northwest at a speed of 12 MPH and has maximum sustained winds of 45 MPH as of midday today.
Helene shows a small departure in its path as forecasters keep an eye on the updates in real time; no significant alterations in the path have been noted that would influence the projected effects on the immediate area. Tomorrow morning, the storm is forecast to intensify into a hurricane and keep on its course until a likely landing in the Big Bend area by Thursday evening. With winds up to 115 MPH, current models suggest Helene may strike as a Category 3 hurricane.
Those living in the projected route of the storm should get ready for the arrival of tropical storm force winds, most likely starting to impact the region Thursday from mid-day to afternoon. Although the actual severity of the storm could possibly rise, forecasts remain vigilant for any such changes in future updates.
With totals predicted to run between 2 and 5 inches, the area is also ready for plenty of rain. This comes as a cold front push through, interacting with an upper-level trough that is steering Helene eastward. With locations from Wakulla County to Citrus County expected to see a storm surge of 10-15 feet, the expected storm surge is not directly related to Helene but rather to other meteorological elements.
With projections of 8-10 foot high surf and strong offshore waves along with severe rip currents from Wednesday through Saturday morning, marine conditions are also predicted to deteriorate. Furthermore, tropical tornadoes pose a higher risk, especially to the east of the storm’s center, therefore impacting areas from Gulf County eastward across the peninsula.
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Little movements in Helene’s path could arise as the situation develops, hence authorities advise everyone to remain alert for updates. This changing weather occurrence emphasizes to the importance of residents in its expected path being ready and alert.
