Storm system knocked power out for over 100 thousand on Thursday.
UPDATE Sept 26th, 4:10 PM EDT
Hurricane Helene strengthened from a Category 1 on Wednesday to a Category 3 storm on Thursday. The hurricane is expected to make landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast Thursday evening. The National Hurricane Center estimated sustained winds of up to 115 mph possible at landfall. If the sustained winds strengthen to above 130 mph, it will reach Category 4 strength.
Many Florida counties have ordered mandatory evacuations. The sheriff of Wakulla County said the area may face “catastrophic” storm surge. “This will not be a survivable event for those in coastal or low lying areas,” Sheriff Miller stated on social media. “There has not been a storm of this magnitude to hit Wakulla in recorded history.” The storm surge for the Tampa Bay area is expected to reach up to 8 feet, while the Big Bend region may see up to 20 feet.
The hurricane center forecast landfall will occur in the Big Bend region of Florida and is anticipated to turn northwest. Other states in the Southeast are bracing for the impact as well.
Over a hundred thousand customers are without power as the hurricane neared the panhandle of Florida. Tornado watches have been issued for much of Florida, and parts of Georgia and South Carolina.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the weather officials tracking the storm as they issue warnings and estimates.
- For state and local leaders as they order evacuations and seek to prepare residents for the hurricane.
- For the safety of residents and business owners as they prepare for the hurricane to make landfall.
Sources: USA Today, ABC News
