South Florida Sun-Sentinel
(TNS)
Hurricane Helene’s outer rainbands reached South Florida overnight Wednesday, bringing brief but gusty winds and localized heavy rain to the region.
All of South Florida is under a tropical storm warning, and forecasters are advising the region to be prepared for strong wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and possible tornadoes throughout Thursday.
Sustained tropical storm force winds of between 20 and 30 mph are expected until 10 p.m. to midnight Thursday.
A tornado watch has been issued for South Florida, although the risk is highest along the Southwest Gulf Coast. A watch means that conditions are favorable for tornado development.
Regardless, the appearance of the sun occasionally throughout the region is drawing people out for a “business as usual” kind of day in South Florida, despite the gusty winds. The city of Fort Lauderdale has advised residents to avoid going in the water because of risky surf conditions.
Helene, which could strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane, is expected cross over Florida’s Big Bend coast on late Thursday or early Friday.
The hurricane is an “unusually large” storm, the National Weather Service Miami said in a briefing. Its impacts will be felt “very far” to the east of the hurricane’s center, including in South Florida.
Rainfall totals in South Florida will likely range from 3 to 5 inches with isolated higher amounts, the NWS Miami said. Southeast coast beaches will see hazardous winds and seas through Friday.
The National Hurricane Center said the region could experience:
- Sustained winds of 20-30 mph, with occasional gusts or squalls up to 50 mph;
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, unanchored mobile homes and lightweight, unsecured objects;
- Trees with downed limbs or uprooted;
- Impassible roads due to debris, especially in heavily wooded areas;
- Scattered power and communications outages.
According to the National Weather Service, here’s what South Florida can expect:
Thursday
- Gusts: Potentially damaging tropical storm-force winds likely. Winds of 20 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph.
- Rain: Showers and and thunderstorms continuing throughout the day.
Thursday night
- Gusts: Windy, with a south wind 21 mph to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph.
- Rain: Showers and and thunderstorms continuing throughout the night.
Friday
- Gusts: Breezy, with a south wind 16 mph to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.
- Rain: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely after 2 p.m. An 80% rain chance.
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