WPTV First Alert Weather Chief Meteorologist Steve Weagle has this to say about Hurricane Helene and its impact to Florida:
Helene is a Category 4 hurricane as it comes ashore near Perry, Florida, around 11:10 p.m. ET. Maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.
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 Thursday.
This is a potentially catastrophic hurricane for Big Bend and parts of the Panhandle in the direct path of Hurricane Helene, NHC said. Storm surge is the greatest threat to loss of life.
Helene is moving north-northeast at 23 mph in the Gulf of Mexico and maximum sustained winds have increased to 130 mph.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 310 miles.
A continued fast motion to the north-northeast is expected through landfall in the Big Bend this evening, the NHC said.
This will bring the center of Helene to the coast of the Big Bend at around 9 p.m.
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The Big Bend region and parts of the Florida Panhandle are under a hurricane warning.
A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.
A tornado watch remains in effect for Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties until 8 p.m. The tornado watch for Palm Beach County was canceled just before 5 p.m.
A flood watch continues for the Treasure Coast and 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.
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Here's what we can expect to see in the coming days:
THURSDAY
Helene triggered multiple tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings in Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties on Thursday morning.
Most of our viewing area is under a marginal risk of severe weather — the lowest tier — on Thursday. However, Okeechobee County and the northern Treasure Coast are under a slight risk, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
Helene has strengthened into a major Category 4 hurricane with 130 mph winds and is expected to make landfall in Florida's Big Bend region on Thursday at 9 p.m.
A tornado watch remains in effect for Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties until 8 p.m.
Tropical, heavy downpours are expected for Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast during the day and night with gusty, sustained winds over 40 mph.
The outer rain bands have the potential to produce a tornado in our viewing area.
FRIDAY
A lot of tropical moisture will continue to move across South Florida. However, it won't be as windy.
Flood watch remains for the entire viewing area until the morning.
Frequently asked questions from viewers:
Is there school on Friday?
All public schools in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties will reopen Friday.
More on reopenings 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.
Read more of WPTV's coverage of Hurricane Helene below:
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HELENE'S IMPACT: Family rescued after tree destroys home in Martin County
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These are the schools that plan to reopen Friday after Helene
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County-by-county power outages due to Hurricane Helene
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'THREAT OF FIRE': Residents evacuated after downed power poles in Port St. Lucie
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