Hurricane Helene Strengthens to Category 4, Threatening Gulf Coast

Latest Update:

As of 11 AM EST on Thursday, September 8, Hurricane Helene has strengthened to a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.

Threat to the Gulf Coast:

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a hurricane warning for the Gulf Coast from Morgan City, Louisiana, to Panama City, Florida, including New Orleans and Mobile. Tropical storm warnings extend as far east as Apalachicola, Florida.

Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall along the Louisiana coast late Friday or early Saturday. Storm surge of up to 15 feet is possible along the coast, with inland flooding also a major concern.

Evacuations and Preparations:

Residents in the warning areas are urged to evacuate immediately if they are in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Those who cannot evacuate should secure their homes and prepare for power outages.

State and local officials are working to establish evacuation routes and shelters. Residents are advised to follow instructions from local authorities and monitor weather updates closely.

National Weather Service Advisories:

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued several advisories related to Hurricane Helene:

• Hurricane Warning: From Morgan City, Louisiana, to Panama City, Florida
• Tropical Storm Warning: From Cameron, Louisiana, to Apalachicola, Florida
• Storm Surge Warning: From Morgan City, Louisiana, to Panama City, Florida
• Coastal Flood Warning: For the entire Gulf Coast from Morgan City, Louisiana, to Apalachicola, Florida

Stay Informed and Stay Safe:

For the latest information on Hurricane Helene, visit the National Hurricane Center website at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov or tune in to local news stations.

Stay safe and follow instructions from local authorities during this severe weather event.