Storm Alert: Hurricane Helene Headed Towards Florida and the Upstate
Well, folks, it seems we’re in for quite a weather show. The spotlight today is on Hurricane Helene, originally a thunderstorm, which is now predicted to escalate into a formidable storm by September 26, 2024. The storm, now strengthening over the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to reach Florida’s shore by the evening as a full-blown hurricane.
Hurricane Helene: What to Anticipate?
While Florida’s Big Bend region braces for landfall around 7 p.m. on September 26, the storm isn’t stopping there. Helene will journey northwards, sweeping through Georgia and onto half of South Carolina as the week rolls on. The Upstate, in particular, should be ready to buckle down for one stormy night going into the morning of September 27, according to meteorologists.
The dent left by Helene can’t be understated. Key messages hovering around the hurricane indicate a heavy output of rain and high winds arriving in the Upstate region. With the ground already drenched from precipitation on the eve of September 24 continuing through September 25, the additional downpour from Helene will render the situation more precarious.
Projections of the Storm Impact in the Upstate
Continuing into the night of September 26 and into the morning of the 27th, the tropical bands from Helene are set to bombard certain areas, creating a heck of a spectacle. With the added pressure of wind gusts reaching a rockin’ 50 to 60 miles per hour, especially close to Georgia’s state line, this hurricane is not messing around.
Predictions show a whopping 10-15 inches of rainfall for areas like Pickens, Oconee, and Greenville counties. The mountain areas specifically could be looking at more than a foot of rain, triggering flash flooding and potential landslide threats. It’s no surprise then that a flood watch is already in place across several counties until 2 p.m. on the 27th.
Preparation: A Must-do!
Let’s face it, storms are always scary, and Hurricane Helene sounds like one serious storm! So, it’s essential to whip up an emergency kit with first aid supplies, charged phones and chargers, essential nonperishable food, weather radios, and flashlight batteries. It’s safe to say, folks, that there’s no time to dawdle. Preparation should start now.
Take it from someone who’s seen plenty of these storms: this could be a doozy. So, keep in mind, the closer you are to the center of Helene, the higher your wind speeds are going to be. Don’t underestimate this storm, fellow Upstaters, let’s be smart, be prepared, and most importantly, stay safe.
