A developing storm in the Caribbean Sea is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico over the coming days, with a potential landfall along the Gulf Coast by Thursday. Forecasters warn it could reach Category 3 status, making it a major hurricane.
"People in the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region should prepare for significant hurricane impacts," said AccuWeather’s Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva on Monday. He noted this system could be the strongest to make landfall in the U.S. this season.
Most weather models predict the storm will strike Florida or the northern Gulf Coast by Thursday, according to Weather.com meteorologist Jonathan Erdman.
Currently classified as a "potential tropical cyclone," the system will be named Helene if it reaches tropical storm strength, which is expected by Monday or Tuesday.
Forecasters are urging Gulf Coast residents to start preparing now. "It’s important to take precautions early, even before the storm is officially named," said Jon Porter, an AccuWeather meteorologist. He added that the storm could strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane, with sustained winds between 111 and 129 mph.
This storm has the potential to be a defining event of the 2024 hurricane season, Porter noted.
Key impacts from Helene are expected to include:
- **Winds:** Sustained winds over 111 mph and gusts up to 120 mph near the landfall area on Thursday.
- **Rain:** Rainfall amounts of 8-12 inches, leading to potential flooding, especially starting late Tuesday as rain begins to impact the Keys and moves northward.
- **Power Outages:** Widespread power outages are expected in the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend region, and parts of Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.
Additionally, storm surge and the possibility of tornadoes will increase as the storm approaches.
Experts had already predicted an intense hurricane season, with forecasts calling for up to 24 named storms, far exceeding the average of 14 based on historical data from 1991 to 2020.
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