HOUSTON — Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen and it is now a dangerous Category 3 storm as it barrels toward Florida.
In a 5:30 p.m. update, Air Force Hurricane Hunters found the maximum sustained winds had increased to nearly 130 mph as it continues speeding through the Gulf to the north-northeast at 23 mph.
It's expected to make landfall Thursday night somewhere in the Big Bend area of Florida.
Helene threatens a “catastrophic” storm surge in northwestern parts of Florida as well as damaging winds, rains and flash floods hundreds of miles inland across much of the southeastern U.S. Six to eight inches of rain and possibly much more will likely lead to dangerous flooding of roads and possibly homes from Georgia to the Carolinas and west all the way to Missouri.
The governors of Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia have all declared emergencies in their states.
What's fueling the additional strengthening? Sea surface temperatures are plenty warm and wind shear is expected to be light over the Gulf. That's what you need to possibly see rapid intensification beyond what is currently forecast.
What is steering the storm away from Texas?
The storm will be steered away from Texas by the upper-level steering currents. That's the flow around an area of low pressure to our west and the flow around the high-pressure area to our east. This pattern is creating a river of air moving north toward Florida and away from Texas. The storm will move with this flow following the path of least resistance in the southeast United States.
Hurricane Helene track
Hurricane Helene Models
Travel affected by Helene
Hurricane Helene watches and warnings
Verbatim from the National Hurricane Center
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for...
* Mexico Beach eastward and southward to Flamingo
* Tampa Bay
* Charlotte Harbor
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* Anclote River to Mexico Beach
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...
* Englewood to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas
* Flamingo to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay
* West of Mexico Beach to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line
* Flamingo northward to Little River Inlet
* Lake Okeechobee
What is a Storm Surge Warning?
A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations. This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.
What is a Tropical Storm Warning?
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within the next 24 to 36 hours.
What is a Tropical Storm Watch?
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
What is a Hurricane Warning?
A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
What is a Hurricane Watch?
A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
Check back multiple times a day as we continue to watch for potential development. You can also download the KHOU 11 app for updates sent to your phone.
What is a Storm Surge Watch
A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours.