The National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center have issued a new advisory for Tropical Storm Helene, indicating that the storm will intensify and is expected to become a hurricane later today.
Tropical Storm Helene
In the 8 a.m. advisory from the NWS and NHC, it was indicated that Tropical Storm Helene will intensify and be near hurricane strength when it passes near the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula over the next several hours. Maximum sustained winds are now near 70 miles per hour with higher gusts.
Helene is expected to become a hurricane later today, according to the NHC, and is forecast to rapidly strengthen over the eastern Gulf of Mexico and become a major hurricane on Thursday. There is a danger of life-threatening storm surges along the west coast of Florida, and residents in those areas should follow any advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do so.
Hurricane-force winds are expected along portions of the Western coast of Florida, where a Hurricane Warning is now in effect. Storm conditions are expected to begin in this area on Thursday, September 26, so preparations should be completed by early Thursday.
Tropical Storm Helene will bring heavy rain to portions of the western Caribbean with possibly significant flooding across Western Cuba and the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula.
Portions of Florida should anticipate considerable and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding, which will also affect the Southeast, the Southern Appalachians, and the Tennessee Valley starting today and running through Friday. This rainfall includes a potential risk of landslides across the Southern Appalachians. Widespread minor to moderate river flooding is likely at this point, with isolated major river flooding a possibility.
As far as Central Florida goes, the outer bands moving northward will potentially bring some isolated severe weather to the area on Wednesday, per WESH 2, with the potential to produce a tornado. Orange County is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort released their first statements about Tropical Storm Helene on September 24.
Stay tuned for more Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort operational updates.
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