Hurricane Helen poised to hit Florida: Category 3 storm likely to cause catastrophic surges and flooding

 Hurricane Helen is currently moving toward Florida at Category 3 strength and is forecast to hit Florida's Big Bend region tonight. The size and intensity of the storm creates the potential for widespread damage, particularly storm surges of up to 20 feet, and strong winds and flooding as far south as Georgia, the Carolinas. A tropical storm warning has been issued from the coast of Florida to western North Carolina.

Hurricane Helen formed as a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico on September 24, 2024. It is expected to hit the Big Bend region of Florida with Category 3 strength. The storm will move north from Florida and affect areas of Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and the Carolinas. NASA and federal agencies are working to respond to the storm and provide a variety of maps and information to help with emergencies.

Hurricane Helen is currently moving toward Florida as a Category 2 storm. It is forecast to hit Florida's Big Bend region this evening at Category 3 strength. The storm is packing winds of 100 mph and could extend northward into Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas. Florida emergency management agencies and federal agencies are preparing to respond to the situation.