WPTV First Alert Weather Chief Meteorologist Steve Weagle has this to say about Hurricane Helene and its impact to Florida:
Helene has intensified and strengthened into a hurricane.
The storm is expected to bring life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds and flooding rains to a large portion of Florida, the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday.
Helene is moving north-northwest at 10 mph off the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and has maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.
A turn toward the north-northeast with an increase in speed is expected later today through Thursday, the NHC said.
This forward motion will bring the center of Helene across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and to the Florida Big Bend coast by Thursday evening.
RELATED:
Tropical Weather
SCHOOLS: The latest on closures and cancelations because of Helene
The Big Bend region and parts of the Florida Panhandle are under a hurricane warning.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast and has been extended northward along the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina.
A flood watch has been issued for Palm Beach County south to Miami.
We can expect between 2 to 4 inches of total rain. Flooding is possible in areas with lingering thunderstorm feeder bands.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide
Marginal severe weather threat and isolated tornado is also possible.
Here's what we can expect to see in the coming days:
WEDNESDAY
Our viewing area will begin feeling the impacts of Helene, as the outer bands of the storm move into the Gulf of Mexico. We will also see heavy downpours.
THURSDAY
Helene is expected to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane before making landfall in Florida's Big Bend region on Thursday night.
Tropical, heavy downpours expected for Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast during the day and night with gusty, sustained winds over 40 mph.
FRIDAY
A lot of tropical moisture will continue to move across South Florida. However, it won't be as windy.
Frequently asked questions from viewers:
Is there school on Thursday?
All public schools in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties will be closed Thursday.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Palm Beach County public schools will remain open on Thursday.
More on closures and cancellations here.
Due to the wind and rain we will get, do we need to put up storm shutters and secure patio furniture?
Storm shutters are not needed for those in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.
However, securing patio furniture or bringing it inside is advised.
