Hurricane Helene Approaches Florida Bringing Wind, Rain, and Potential Tornadoes
Hurricane Helene strengthened overnight in the Gulf of Mexico and is rapidly intensifing into a major hurricane.
Fox 35 Orlando
Helene is expected to bring intense conditions to Florida, including wind, rain and potential tornadoes.
National Hurricane Center
As of 8 AM this morning, the NHC reported that Hurricane Helene had grown into a category two hurricane with 100 mph winds about 320 miles south of Tampa and 365 miles south of Apalachicola.
The NHC had forecast that the hurricane can reach category four strength wins before landfall.
Orlando Sentinel
“A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast, where inundation could reach as high as 20 feet above ground level, along with destructive waves,” said NHC senior hurricane specialist Jack Beven.
“There is also a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the remainder of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula. Residents in those areas should follow the advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do so.”
(GREGG NEWTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency with mandatory evacuation orders for approximately 16 counties.
Tropical storm warnings are extended to all of Florida’s East Coast and into Georgia in addition to the Florida Gulf Coast and Panhandle.
Central Florida Impact
Orange County and Walt Disney World are currently under tropical storm warnings, and a tornado watch is also in effect.
Orlando Sentinel
Hurricane conditions are expected later today.
Helene is forecast to drop 6 to 12 inches of rain with some areas getting up to 18 inches. The NHC also warns that tornadoes could form in various parts of Florida, Georgia, Alabama and even South Carolina.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom
All central Florida schools have canceled classes for Thursday, and the Sun Rail has also shut down.
At this time, Walt Disney World is still operational, but has opted to close Typhoon Lagoon and cancel tonight’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party.
Storm in Magic Kingdom
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