Major hurricane set to impact parts of Florida coast by Thursday

By: Joshua Wisel

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (UATV)- As Tropical Cyclone Nine is forecasted to impact parts of the state of Florida as a major hurricane by Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 41 of the 67 counties in the state.

On Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for a large portion of the state, as Tropical Cyclone Nine and future Hurricane Helene is forecasted to reach major hurricane status before landfall on Thursday.

“These conditions could damage the operational capability of major interstates, roadways, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, power grids, and other critical infrastructure,” said Governor DeSantis’s order. “As Governor of Florida, I am responsible to meet the dangers presented to the State of Florida and its people by this emergency.”

The National Hurricane Center shared an update Monday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. Eastern, upgrading the forecasted strength of future Helene to a major category 3 storm before it makes landfall by Thursday afternoon. This storm will bring significant impacts to coastal areas, with forecasted sustained winds potentially reaching 115 mph, in addition to significant storm surge, and flooding impacts.

“While it is too soon to pinpoint the exact location and magnitude of impacts, the potential for life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds along the Florida Panhandle and the Florida west coast is increasing,” said NHC Hurricane Specialist Brad Reinhart in the Monday Afternoon forecast discussion. “Hurricane watches will likely be issued for a portion of that area tonight or Tuesday Morning, and residents should ensure they have their hurricane plans in place.”

Hurricane watches and warnings could be issued for parts of Florida as early as Monday night, or Tuesday morning according to the NHC. When a hurricane warning is issued, residents are encouraged to heed all warnings for their safety.

“Forecast models indicate that this system will have a vast areal extent, and its impact will likely extend well beyond its center, along the northeast Gulf Coast,” said Gov. DeSantis’s order. “There is a significant threat of storm surge, coastal flooding and erosion, heavy rainfall and flash flooding, and damaging winds to the Florida Gulf Coast.”

Residents are asked to stay informed, heed warnings, and plan now to prepare for the incoming hurricane as it approaches the state. For hurricane safety information visit the National Weather Service’s Weather Safety website for safety information and preparing for the storm.