Hurricane Helene is projected to make landfall in Florida Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane, posing extreme dangers to people and structures. As of 4:00 p.m. CDT on September 25, 2024, the National Hurricane Center has issued several advisories regarding the impending hurricane. Along with Florida, the hurricane is expected to also affect parts of Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
Residents along the Florida Big Bend coast, where Helene will make landfall Thursday, have been asked to prepare for a catastrophic storm surge, potentially reaching heights of 20 feet above ground. Destructive waves are also anticipated. Those in affected areas have been asked to heed local officials' advice and evacuate, if instructed.
Helene is forecasted to bring hurricane-force winds when it makes landfall late Thursday in the Big Bend area. Residents have been asked to finalize preparations by early Thursday, as tropical storm conditions are expected to arrive beforehand. The outer bands of the hurricane has already hit Florida, with the region experiencing heavy rainfall.
Life-threatening wind gusts will extend well inland, impacting northern Florida and southern Georgia, where Hurricane Warnings are currently in effect. Strong gusts may also affect northern Georgia and parts of the Carolinas, particularly in higher elevations.
In addition to strong winds, significant flash and urban flooding is anticipated across the southern Appalachians through Friday. Areas of northwestern and northern Florida, along with parts of the Southeast, may also experience considerable flooding. While widespread minor to moderate river flooding is expected, there is also a risk of isolated major flooding in certain river systems.
Outside of the US, northeastern regions of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico will experience hurricane and tropical storm conditions this evening.
The Atlanta Braves' games against the New York Mets scheduled for tonight and tomorrow have been postponed due to Hurricane Helene, Major League Baseball announced.
Walt Disney World Resort will close Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park on Thursday, September 26, along with Beachcomber Shack and Umbrella rentals. Universal Orlando will also close Volcano Bay water park Thursday, with plans to reopen it on Friday. Both resorts are assessing their operations as Helene nears.