Hurricane Helen is developing into a large and powerful storm.
Computer models from the National Hurricane Center predict that Helen will make landfall in the Big Bend, Florida, area on Thursday as a powerful cyclone, ensuring that such a storm doesn’t sneak up on anyone. But the effects of a storm of this magnitude will be widespread, including areas like Tampa, which will see strong winds and storm surges of about five to eight feet.
The center wrote on September 25: “Storm Helen in the eastern Gulf of Mexico is expected to rapidly intensify and expand in size. Life-threatening storm surge danger exists along the entire west coast of the Florida Peninsula and Panhandle.”
Please monitor guidance from your local National Weather Service office and other relevant agencies for updates and evacuation information.
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For those who live in the Tampa area or are interested in the storm’s impacts, you can watch via the webcam below.
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Although there are many factors that influence the formation of a severe hurricane (lack of headwinds to break up the storm, moist air, etc.), the most important factor is warm sea surface temperatures in excess of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Storm scientists explain that warm oceans are the jet fuel for hurricanes. This is because tropical storms are intensified by warming oceans as more water naturally evaporates into the air, Gives the storm energy and moisture to strengthen.
Atlantic hurricanes are now twice as likely to develop from mild storms to major hurricanes.
Tampa Bay Riverside Webcam
Siesta Key Beach
Hilton Clearwater Beach
clearwater beach webcam
Keep in mind that as you watch updates on Hurricane Helene’s slightly changing track, The trajectory prediction cone is not the influence cone. For example, areas north of landfall — such as parts of Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas — will see extreme rainfall and flooding.
“Throughout this event, be sure to check for the latest forecasts at http://hurricanes.gov,” the hurricane center emphasized.
