This one is a monster in size and local forecasters have stated that it could push more eastward ...waiting to see tomorrow how far east they think she'll go -- we could be in for a wild ride with this one. She'll be quicker than Ian and won't linger, but likely more storm surge (sigh). The cones show this one going all the way up into GA -- so for those on the west side -- best to cross the alley and go over to the other coast. (That's going to be a major traffic jam just waiting to happen).
Hurricane Helene forecast to form and rapidly intensify before slamming into Florida An area of thunderstorms in the Caribbean is expected to develop into Hurricane Helene and rapidly intensify over the exceptionally warm Gulf of Mexico before slamming into the United States’ Gulf Coast later this week, potentially as a major hurricane.
The storm has not formed yet but is expected to soon, so the National Hurricane Center has dubbed it Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine to warn of its imminent threat.
Hurricane and tropical storm watches are in effect for parts of Mexico and Cuba. Similar alerts will be issued for the US in the coming days, with a potential landfall in Florida expected perhaps as soon Thursday night.
Florida wasted no time getting preparations underway. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm for 41 the state’s 67 counties, according to a Monday press release. The move helps to expedite preparations and coordination between the state and local governments.
Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is a disorganized mass of showers and thunderstorms churning in the far western Caribbean Sea. This stormy weather will drop potentially flooding rainfall over portions of Central America, Mexico, Cuba and Jamaica as it tries to organize into a tropical system.
While its exact track and strength could change, Helene will track north over the extremely warm waters into the Gulf of Mexico which could supercharge it on its collision course with the US Gulf Coast.
The National Hurricane Center is forecasting Helene to rapidly intensify from a tropical storm to a Category 2 hurricane over a record-warm Gulf of Mexico – a feat becoming more likely as the world warms due to fossil fuel pollution.
It could strengthen more than forecast, and the NHC warns there is a chance for a Category 3 major hurricane.
Strong, potentially damaging winds and storm surge are likely near where the system ultimately comes ashore. The system will also churn up seas in the Gulf and could produce rough surf and dangerous rip currents for much of the basin, especially later this week...................
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/23/weather/helene-tropical-storm-hurricane-forecast-climate/index.html
