CHARLOTTE — Helene strengthened into a hurricane Wednesday, and forecasters warned that the storm would intensify as it crosses the Gulf of Mexico on a path to Florida. In the Carolinas, Severe Weather Center 9 predicts we’ll see the worst of the storm Thursday night into Friday morning.
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On Wednesday morning, Hurricane Helene was about 500 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, and had sustained winds of 80 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Forecasters told the Associated Press the storm is expected to become a major hurricane, with its center making landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida’s northwestern coast as soon as late Thursday.
Heavy rainfall was forecast for the southeastern U.S. starting Wednesday, with a life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of Florida, according to the Hurricane Center.
The Carolinas
On Wednesday, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene. Later that day, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also declared a State of Emergency for the Palmetto State.
Steady rain is expected to begin Thursday in the Charlotte area and will likely last most of the day. This could already add up to a few inches in spots.
“Helene threatens heavy rain, flash flooding, landslides, and damaging winds to the mountains and Piedmont areas of our state,” Gov. Cooper said in a statement. “Now is the time for North Carolinians to prepare, make sure emergency kits are up-to-date and pay attention to the weather alerts in your area.”
[ PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Tropical Storm Helene forms; expected to become major hurricane ]
After that, we get the big rain from Helene overnight Thursday into early Friday. Areas far west in the mountains could see rain totals adding up to 10 inches or more, which would lead to significant flooding.
We won’t see nearly as much in the Charlotte metro, only around 3 to 4 inches. But we could have some minor flooding concerns too. Right now, Flood Watches are confined to our western counties.
Along with the big rain, we will have to deal with strong winds of over 40 mph as the storm passes by our region just to the west. This could bring down trees and power lines on Friday.
There will also be a low tornado threat to watch out for.
This all clears out by Friday afternoon.
This is a developing story; check wsoctv.com for updates.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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