AccuWeather meteorologists are forecasting an extreme risk to lives and property along the Gulf coast of Florida and a catastrophic risk to lives and property due to an increasing threat of a flooding disaster in parts of the southern Appalachians as Helene approaches the coastline.
“A surge of water from the Gulf of Mexico could reach 23 feet in the hardest-hit coastal areas of the Big Bend of Florida,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said. “This is two stories high and unsurvivable for people in the area. The life-threatening storm surge risk extends down through Tampa Bay where 6-10 feet of water inundation is possible.
“If authorities tell you to leave, please evacuate. In the areas with the greatest risk of the water surge along and near the coast, you only have a matter of a few hours to potentially save your life – please leave safely as quickly as you can. Conditions will be extremely dangerous after dark,” Porter added. “Helene is packing destructive winds that will reach far inland. We expect a catastrophic flash flooding situation hundreds of miles away from the point of landfall.”
Photo courtesy NOAA
