LATEST UPDATE: 9/24/2024 3PM
The National Weather Service held a Special Weather Briefing today in reference to Tropical Storm Helene.
- TS Helene is expected to intensify quickly over the next 24 to 48 hours as it moves into the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Currently Helene is forecast to become a Major Hurricane (Cat 3+) by Thursday morning (09/26). Helene is forecast to make landfall somewhere along the Florida panhandle/coast Thursday evening and then travel inland into Georgia.
- MAIN IMPACTS (heavy rain/flooding, strong winds, tornadoes) expected Thursday and Friday. Based on the current forecast track the stronger winds and possibility of tornadoes would be east of Atlanta. A more westerly track of the storm would enhance the possibility of high winds and tornadoes for West Georgia and possibly East Alabama.
- Note: Heavy rain begins as early as tomorrow (Wednesday) ahead of Helene which could act to enhance FLASH FLOODING across the area when Helene arrives overnight Thursday into Friday.
- Total rainfall accumulation for East Alabama and West Georgia is currently forecast at 4-6 inches. There could also be isolated areas with total rainfall >8 inches.
- Good news/Bad news
- Helene will be a fast moving system; long duration high impacts not expected however, the magnitude of threats & impacts could be more significant (stronger winds/heavier rain) Due to Helene’s rapid movement, tropical-storm force winds (>39 MPH) could reach central Georgia as early as midday Thursday.
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