Helene to Intensify Rapidly: Bringing Some Impacts to Alabama

HELENE BECOMES A HURRICANE

EXPECTED TO BRING DAMAGING WINDS AND FLOODING RAINS TO SOUTHEAST CENTRAL ALABAMA.

Current Watches and Warnings for Alabama from the National Weather Service

- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Barbour, Bullock, Chambers, Lee, Macon, Pike, and Russell

STORM INFORMATION:
- About 740 miles south of Montgomery AL
- 21.6N 86.3W
- Storm Intensity 80 mph

Current Position of Helene

Helene is located 45 miles east-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and is moving northwest at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph.

Notes on Helene

• According to the National Hurricane Center, “Helene is expected to rapidly intensify and grow in size over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.”
• The projected landfall is on Thursday in the location range south of Tallahassee and east of Apalachicola.
• “The latest forecast calls for a 120-mph intensity by 36 hours, and this could be conservative as some of the guidance is stronger,” said James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist.
• Because of the predicted size and strength of this future hurricane, strong winds could penetrate farther inland after landfall over parts of the southeastern United States.

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Possible Alabama Impacts Due to Helene

“The Central Gulf Coast (Gulf Shores to Panama City Beach) is expected to be on the good, west side of the circulation with an offshore flow,” said Spann.

Severe Weather Outlook

Wind gusts in the state's western half will reach 20-25 mph.

“Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are forecast for eastern Alabama, with the highest gusts across the far southeast counties along and south of the I-85 corridor,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

Tornadoes are minimal at this time because of the side of the system on which Alabama will be located. Most tornado activity is associated east of the center of circulation of a hurricane.

Influx of Rain Outlook

Up to 1 to 3 inches of rain could fall in Western Alabama, while the eastern portion of the state could receive 3 to 5 inches.

The Weather Channel said, “Rainfall totals could be 5 to 10 inches in the Southeast U.S., with isolated amounts of up to 15 inches possible.”

“Rainfall amounts continue to increase, with the potential of 4 to 8 inches of rain with isolated pockets of 10 inches possible,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham. “Depending on how much rain falls during the day today, that could lead to a heightened flood threat when Helene arrives.”

Outlook for Football Games

Spann said, “The weather will improve across Alabama by midday Friday; we expect just a few isolated, light showers Friday night and Saturday. The bottom line is that the weather won't be bad at all for high school and college games in the state, but keep in mind a passing shower can't be ruled out. Wind will be under 10 mph.”

The Townsquare Media Weather Center will continue to monitor conditions closely for updates as conditions can evolve, altering forecasts and impact projections.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster