AccuWeather experts expect a major hurricane to land on Thursday along the Gulf Coast.
The storm, now identified as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, could bring 160-mph wind gusts and dump up to 24 inches of rain on the hardest-hit areas.
The soon-to-be-named Hurricane Helene could bring 160-mph wind gusts and dump up to 24 inches of rain on the hardest-hit areas.
Experts say the storm could strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130-156 mph on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. It could bring a three-to-six-foot storm surge in the Tampa Bay area and up to 10-to-15 feet of storm surge in the area where the storm makes landfall.
On Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 41 Florida counties ahead of the storm.
Heads up! Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is expected to bring significant rainfall and the threat of flash flooding to much of the Southeast later this week. A Moderate Risk of excessive rainfall has been issued for parts of Florida, Alabama, and Georgia on Thursday 9/26. ️ pic.twitter.com/1ZDVsioork
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) September 23, 2024