Helene Intensifies: Southeastern U.S. Braces for Major Hurricane, Offshore Impact Being Monitored

The National Hurricane Center warns that Tropical Storm Helene is is forecast to rapidly intensify as it approaches the southeastern United States. Forecasters predict Helene will reach major hurricane status by Thursday, posing significant threats to the Florida Panhandle and west coast.

“The risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds continues to increase along the coast of the Florida Panhandle and the Florida west coast,” stated the National Hurricane Center in their 11 a.m. ET advisory.

Hurricane Helene is projected to intensify rapidly as it moves through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to approach hurricane strength in the northwestern Caribbean Sea by early Wednesday, bringing tropical storm conditions to western Cuba and the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula.

By Thursday, Helene is forecast to reach major hurricane status as it nears the northeastern Gulf Coast.

11 am EDT – Tropical Storm #Helene forms. Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches in effect for portions of Florida. Here are the Key Messages. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/O2vrmnsReN

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 24, 2024

According to satellite data, environmental conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for the storm’s development. The NHC anticipates that Helene will strengthen rapidly due to decreasing wind shear, high oceanic heat content, and upper-level divergence. The NHC forecast predicts Helene will reach a peak intensity of around 100 knots (115 mph) within 48 hours while over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, potentially making it a major Category 3 hurricane. Despite the possibility of increased wind shear as the system approaches the coast, its large size may result in only slow weakening, maintaining the risk of Helene making landfall as a major hurricane.

The hurricane’s unusually large size also means impacts will extend far from its center. “Helene’s forecast radii are at the 90th percentile of hurricane size at similar latitudes,” the National Hurricane Center noted, emphasizing the widespread nature of the threat.

9/24 11AM EDT: There is risk of life-threatening storm surge from Tropical Storm #Helene for the coast of the Florida Panhandle and the Florida west coast, where a Storm Surge Watch is in effect. Residents in those areas should follow advice given by local officials. pic.twitter.com/MdClvhsA69

— NHC Storm Surge (@NHC_Surge) September 24, 2024

The U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has activated its Hurricane Response Team and is monitoring offshore oil and gas operators in the Gulf of Mexico in response to the storm.

As of 11:30 a.m. CDT today, four production platforms (1.08% of 371 manned platforms) in the Gulf of Mexico have been evacuated. No personnel have been evacuated from the five non-dynamically positioned (DP) rigs in the Gulf.

Two DP rigs (9.5% of 21 operating in the Gulf) have relocated as a precaution. These rigs use thrusters and propellers to maintain position, allowing quick movement away from danger. Crews remain onboard and return post-storm.

Based on operator reports, the BSEE estimates that approximately 16.21% of current oil production and 11.2% of current natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico has been shut in.

Local officials urge residents in areas under Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches to follow evacuation orders and safety guidelines. Stay informed through official channels and prepare emergency kits as the situation develops.

As Helene approaches, now is the time for southeastern U.S. residents to review their hurricane preparedness plans and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.