As Hurricane Helene barrels towards Florida’s northwest coast, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is issuing urgent warnings about the potential for catastrophic inland flooding that could continue long after the storm makes landfall. With the storm expected to hit Thursday evening, the situation is rapidly intensifying, and residents in its path need to brace for what could be one of the most dangerous hurricanes in recent years.
In a rare press release, NOAA emphasized the severity of the inland flooding risk, urging media outlets to draw attention to the “major impacts from inland flooding expected along the path of Helene well after landfall.” This isn’t just about the coast; the impact of Helene will stretch hundreds of miles inland, affecting communities far from where the eye of the storm reaches.
The hurricane, with a wind field extending an astounding 345 miles from its center, is expected to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, packing sustained winds of over 130 mph. The National Hurricane Center’s latest update paints a concerning picture: “Catastrophic and life-threatening flash and urban flooding, including landslides, is expected across portions of the southern Appalachians through Friday.” This means not only Florida but also parts of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and even as far as eastern Tennessee could face extreme weather conditions.
What’s particularly alarming is the amount of rain expected. Some regions in the southern Appalachians might receive up to 18 inches of rain by Friday, an amount that could overwhelm river systems, cause landslides, and trigger severe flash floods. Adding to the complexity of the situation, many of these areas have already experienced heavy rainfall recently, leaving the ground saturated and rivers running high. According to NOAA, this makes the region even more vulnerable to flooding. “Extreme rainfall rates across the mountainous terrain of the southern Appalachians will likely inundate communities in its path with flash floods, landslides, and cause extensive river and stream flooding,” the agency warned.
The coastal regions aren’t escaping Helene’s wrath either. A storm surge of up to 20 feet above ground level is forecast for parts of the Florida Big Bend coast, an area that could experience waves powerful enough to cause “unsurvivable” scenarios, as described by Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center. Such a surge has the potential to sweep away anything in its path, making it critical for residents in vulnerable areas to heed evacuation orders.
The NOAA has made it clear: flooding from extreme rainfall remains the deadliest direct cause of tropical cyclone fatalities in the United States over the past decade. As Hurricane Helene picks up speed, it serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared. With the storm currently moving at around 14 mph but expected to accelerate to over 20 mph by landfall, the clock is ticking for those in its path. Stay safe out there.
