Helene Is Still Heading Toward North Florida, But What About Tampa?
The Tuesday night 11pm update from the National Hurricane Center did not show much of a change in terms of Helene’s plans. North Florida is still clearly the storm’s target….
Storm clouds are seen on the horizon as the sun sets on September 24, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Tropical Storm Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing a potential for deadly storm surge, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West coast. Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida on Thursday.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)The Tuesday night 11pm update from the National Hurricane Center did not show much of a change in terms of Helene's plans. North Florida is still clearly the storm's target. But here in the Tampa area, especially along the coast, we'll still feel the effects of Helene Thursday.
Denis Phillips from ABC Action News said this "could very well be Idalia Part 2." By the time Hurricane Helene reaches the Panhandle or Big Bend, he expects Category 3 winds at about 120MPH.
How will Helene impact the Tampa area
Power outages here in our area are expected Thursday. But surge is Denis' biggest concern. For those who live along our coastal areas, tomorrow will be the last big day to make a plan. As Denis always says, you hide from the wind, but run from the water. Storm surge estimates for the Florida coastline are scary for Helene - even though the center of the storm is expected right now to pass by 100 miles off our coast.
While the Tampa area is not in the "cone of uncertainty," Denis Phillips reminded viewers last night that paths change. But he does note that the models have been consistent for a few days. For the last 3 days, the models have been "right on top of each other," Denis said. He says he's never seen anything like it in all his years of covering Florida hurricanes.
Helene's Timing
Wednesday will be a good day to make final preparations for Helene. Winds will pick up Thursday morning but tropical storm winds are not expected until Thursday afternoon in the Tampa area. Denis expects landfall to happen around 8pm Thursday night in North Florida.
