Helene got stronger Wednesday and turned into a hurricane. Forecasters said the storm would get stronger as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida. Severe Weather Center 9 says the storm will be at its worst in the Carolinas Thursday night and Friday morning.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Helene was about 500 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, in the morning of Wednesday. It had winds that never stopped at 80 mph.
The Associated Press reported that the storm is likely to grow into a major hurricane. Its center could hit land as early as late Thursday in the Big Bend area on the northwest coast of Florida.
Starting Wednesday, heavy rain was expected in the southeastern U.S. The Hurricane Center warned of a life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of Florida.
The Carolinas
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced a State of Emergency on Wednesday because of Hurricane Helene. Late that same day, Gov. Henry McMaster of South Carolina also announced a State of Emergency for the Palmetto State.
In the Charlotte area, steady rain is likely to start Thursday and last most of the day. In some places, this could already add up to a few inches.
“Helene could bring heavy rain, flash flooding, landslides, and strong winds that could damage our mountains and Piedmont,” Gov. Cooper said in a statement. “Now is the time for people in North Carolina to get ready. Check their emergency kits and pay attention to local weather alerts.”
After that, Helene brings us heavy rain from Thursday night into early Friday morning. Much of the west, especially in the mountains, could get 10 inches or more of rain, which would cause major floods.
In the Charlotte city area, we’ll only get about 3 to 4 inches. But we might also have some small water worries. At the moment, only the western counties are under a Flood Watch.
Along with heavy rain, the storm will bring strong winds of over 40 mph to our area, which is just to the west. On Friday, this could cause trees and power lines to fall.
Also, there is a small chance of tornadoes, so be careful.
Everything is clear by Friday afternoon.