Hurricane Helene Officially Forms and Heads Towards Florida
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Helene has officially formed and is strengthening as it heads to Florida.
NHC
As Helene grows in size and strength, storm surge and hurricane warnings are issued for the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Winds are currently at 80 mph and expected to get stronger through Thursday.
Weather Update
Hurricane Helene is currently located 500 miles south of Tampa. It has maximum sustained winds of 80 mph and a minimum central pressure of 979 MB. Central Florida is currently under a tropical storm warning.
Magic Kingdom in a Storm
Helene is forecast to move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday and Thursday and could potentially reach the Gulf Coast of Florida late Thursday.
The majority of Florida counties are under a tropical storm watch, and select areas of Florida are also under a storm surge watch or warning.
Central Florida Impact
The models do not presently show the center of Helene passing through Central Florida, but the area will feel its impact.
AFP / Gregg Newton (Photo credit: GREGG NEWTON/AFP/Getty Images)
The biggest threats to Central Florida include heavy rain, flooding, intense winds, and the potential for tornadoes.
Tropical moisture is expected to increase in Central Florida on Wednesday, and locals can expect rain and storms by Wednesday afternoon.
Weather happens in Disney World
As Helene approaches Florida and makes landfall, Central Florida will brace for more severe weather, including tropical storm-force winds and possible tornadoes.
Yesterday, Disney updated their Weather Updates & Information Page with the following info:
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