Hurricane Helene is likely to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle Thursday evening, with major impacts expected along the coast and several hundred miles inland.
TLDR Version
This system will have cleared Tuscaloosa, Alabama, by kickoff Saturday evening. Temperatures will be in the 70s with light winds—excellent conditions.
Bullet Points
- Hurricane Helene is expected to become a major Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph before landfall in the Big Bend of Florida. However, there is potential for rapid intensification, and it could be even stronger at landfall.
- Major flooding is likely along the coast. Heavy rainfall will track north with this system. Expect 3-5 inches of rain across much of southern and central Georgia, with locations east of a line from Thomasville to Albany to Macon likely seeing 4-6 inches of widespread rain, with locally higher amounts possible.
- Tropical storm-force winds are anticipated for southern Georgia and along the southeastern Georgia coast, extending into the low country of South Carolina. Hurricane-force winds are possible for the southernmost tier of Georgia counties along the border with Florida.
- The storm is expected to grow in size as it traverses the Gulf, meaning impacts such as storm surge, winds, and rainfall will extend far from the center, particularly to the east.
Thursday night and Friday morning: Very difficult driving conditions are expected, with heavy rain and tropical storm-force wind gusts across Georgia as Helene tracks north through the state. I strongly suggest waiting until the storm lifts farther north. Especially if you have kids heading to Tuscaloosa, do not let them drive through this storm Thursday night or Friday morning. Conditions will be difficult at best. Please be overprotective parents and ensure they wait until the afternoon. I drive a storm chase truck in these conditions, and I see major accidents every time. It is very easy to lose control if you have no experience in torrential downpours and strong winds.
Saturday: By then, Helene will be north of Kentucky, and driving conditions should have little to no impact from the weather.
Last edited:
