Hurricane Helene is forecast to take aim at Florida's Big Bend as a large and dangerous Hurricane, and with severe weather expected throughout Central Florida, a Tornado Watch is now in effect.
Hurricane Helene continues on a path towards Florida, and is now a Category 2 Storm forecast to become a major Category 3 Hurricane ahead of landfall in the Big Bend region late Thursday,
As the storm churns its way up the west coast of the state, Central Florida is now under a Tornado Watch.
The National Weather Service has issues a Tornado Watch until 8 pm tonight for Seminole County, Lake County, Volusia County, Orange County, Brevard County, Osceola County.
This includes the main tourism areas, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando which will all open today, with the exception of Typhoon Lagoon, Volcano Bay, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove which will all remain shuttered.
In addition to the Tornado Watch, a Tropical Storm Warning is also in effect throughout today.
A Watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. A Warning means act now, take shelter, a tornado is expected.
Be sure to have multiple ways to receive Warnings today!
Helene is the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, with the massive storm expected to strike Florida, in the Big Bend area on Thursday night, bringing severe weather throughout the state.
The hurricane is expected to be a Category 3 hurricane at landfall bringing life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds and heavy rain.
In Central Florida, strong winds and heavy rain will be experienced throughout the area.
Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings are in place along the Gulf Coast, with Tropical Storm Warnings issued for Central Florida including the Orlando area.
Tampa Bay could see 5-8 feet of storm surge, and mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for large areas of the Gulf Coast from the Panhandle across the Big Bend and into Southwest Florida. This includes the area of Hillsborough County, including Tampa.
The NHC is warning Floridians to take the potential for severe weather seriously, commenting, "The potential for life-threatening storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds along the coast of the Florida Panhandle and the Florida west coast is increasing,"
With a major hurricane set to slam Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 61 of the state's 67 counties, with Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie in charge of the state's response, including coordinating efforts with utility companies, neighboring states and the federal government.
The State of Emergency allows state officials to make resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts. DeSantis' has also activated the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard, ahead of severe impacts throughout the state.
The State of Emergency includes:
Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington Counties.
As this dangerous storm progresses we will keep you updated with the latest news, information, and updates throughout Central Florida. Stay safe!
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