Janice R. Andrews
Tropical Storm Helene Strengthens: Florida Declares State of Emergency, Evacuations Begin
As Tropical Storm Helene intensifies in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is bracing for significant impacts. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 61 counties and evacuations are underway along the Gulf Coast, with officials urging residents to prepare for potential power outages lasting up to a week.
“Now is the time to make an emergency plan,” said Governor DeSantis during a press briefing on Tuesday, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation as Helene gains strength and approaches the Florida panhandle.
Helene Set to Become a Major Hurricane
Tropical Storm Helene, currently producing sustained winds of 45 mph, is expected to become a hurricane by Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) projects that the storm could hit Florida’s Big Bend region by Thursday as a Category 3 hurricane, with wind speeds exceeding 111 mph and a significant threat of storm surges.
According to the NHC’s 5 p.m. advisory on Tuesday, residents along the coast should complete their preparations by early Thursday, as damaging winds and life-threatening storm surges are expected. Helene’s rapid intensification makes it one of the most dangerous storms of the season, potentially setting a record for fast development.
Federal Assistance and Preparations
President Joe Biden has been briefed on Helene’s progress, and federal assistance is already being deployed to help Florida prepare. White House spokesperson Jeremy Edwards stated that FEMA teams, along with essential supplies like food, water, and generators, are being positioned across Florida and Alabama.
“At the direction of the President, FEMA has deployed personnel to embed with local emergency responders,” Edwards said, noting that federal support will be provided as needed. “Residents in the storm’s path should remain vigilant.”
Florida Mobilizes Resources
As Helene moves closer, Florida’s emergency management teams are ramping up efforts to minimize the storm’s impact. In Tallahassee, Leon County officials have made sandbags available to help residents protect against heavy rain and flooding. County Commissioner David O’Keefe tweeted that sandbag locations are open, adding that residents should act now to safeguard their homes.
Governor DeSantis echoed these warnings on social media, urging Floridians to be prepared for evacuation if necessary. “Know your evacuation zone, make an emergency plan, and take this storm seriously,” DeSantis said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Threats Along the Gulf Coast
While Florida braces for impact, the entire Gulf Coast is on high alert. Forecasters have warned that Helene’s path could shift, bringing the possibility of storm surges and flooding to areas like Tampa. AccuWeather hurricane expert Alex DaSilva noted that a westward shift in Helene’s track could lead to significant storm surge in the Tampa Bay region, posing a serious risk of flooding.
The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane watches and warnings for areas stretching from Englewood to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay, advising residents to stay informed and follow evacuation orders where necessary. Rainfall could reach up to 12 inches in some parts of the Gulf Coast, with flash flooding expected across Florida and into the Southeast.
Official Alerts and Warnings
As of Tuesday evening, several key weather alerts have been issued in anticipation of Helene’s arrival:
- Hurricane Watch: Englewood to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay
- Storm Surge Watch: Indian Pass to Flamingo, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor
- Tropical Storm Warning: Dry Tortugas, parts of the Florida Keys, and western Cuba
Residents within these warning areas are urged to take precautions immediately, as storm conditions are expected to worsen over the next 48 hours.
Evacuations Begin Along the Gulf Coast
With storm surge and high winds expected to hit the Gulf Coast, officials have begun ordering evacuations in vulnerable areas. Those in low-lying regions along the coast have been advised to seek shelter, as power outages and flooding could leave some areas without basic services for days.
Emergency shelters are being set up across the state to accommodate evacuees, and local emergency teams are working around the clock to assist residents in need. Florida’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan is now in effect, allowing resources to be deployed for rescue operations and other urgent tasks.
Monitoring the Storm’s Path
The National Hurricane Center’s latest forecast predicts that Helene will make landfall near Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday. However, forecasters have warned that the storm’s path could change in the coming days. Residents from Louisiana to Key West are being urged to stay vigilant and prepare for the possibility of severe weather.
In addition to high winds, Helene is expected to bring heavy rainfall and tornadoes across several U.S. states. As it moves inland on Friday, the storm will weaken but could still cause flash flooding and wind damage across the Southeast.
Final Warnings: Be Prepared and Stay Safe
As Florida and the Gulf Coast prepare for Helene’s landfall, officials are urging all residents in the storm’s projected path to finalize their preparations and follow local advisories closely. The storm poses a significant threat to life and property, particularly along the Gulf Coast, and the next 48 hours will be critical in determining its exact impact.
For now, staying informed and following evacuation orders could make all the difference in ensuring the safety of those affected by Tropical Storm Helene.
