With Hurricane Helene (now upgraded to a Category 1 storm) making its way north through the Gulf, South Florida can expect heavier-than-normal rains and high winds. In fact, a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for all of the region as of Wednesday, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach counties.
Helene is expected to become a major Category 3 hurricane on Thursday before striking Florida’s Gulf Coast. The system has been described as unusually large and fast moving, meaning it will likely have impacts that extend far from its center. The National Hurricane Center is urging residents along the entire west coast of the peninsula and Florida’s Big Bend to heed any advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do so.
Ahead of the storm, Gov. Ron DeSantis has expanded a declared state of emergency to 61 of the state’s 67 counties. Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are not on that list.
Miami International Airport has also issued an advisory to alert travelers that potential severe weather could lead to flight delays or cancellations.
Power outages and flooded roads are also possible for South Florida through Thursday.
For the latest updates on Helene and any storm warnings and watches, make visit hurricanes.gov. Stay safe, Florida!