MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Hurricane Helene continues to gain strength as it moves across the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Winds were still at 85 miles per hour and are expected to strengthen significantly. Since the warning was issued at 10 p.m., pressure has dropped to 972 millibars. The National Hurricane Center predicts the storm will reach Category 4 before making landfall.

This is an unusually large hurricane. The tropical storm wind field extends 345 miles from the center!

Storm surge values ​​could be between 15 and 20 feet in Apalachee Bay. Strong winds are expected near and far east of the center. Tropical storm force conditions will be experienced across the Florida peninsula, most of Georgia, and parts of South Carolina.

The hurricane was moving north at 9 mph. A turn to the north-northeast is expected tonight and Thursday. Forecast models are largely in agreement, making this a high confidence forecast. An upper trough should keep Helene from making a direct hit to our area. It will likely make landfall in the Florida Big Bend region tomorrow evening.

The core of the storm will pass over the warmest waters of the Gulf. The high oceanic heat content of the Gulf Loop Current will fuel intensification. The upper air and lack of wind shear aloft will also favor strengthening.

Locally, we expect rough surf and dangerous rip currents on our beaches. Rain chances are highest in the western panhandle, especially in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. We could see tropical storm conditions in these locations. Tides may be 1-2 feet above normal. Overall, our impacts will be minor compared to our neighbors to the east.

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