Helene Forecasted to Become One of the Largest Hurricanes in Two Decades
Tropical Storm Helene is expected to grow into one of the largest hurricanes in the past 20 years as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico this week. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami has reported that although it may not be the most intense storm, Helene's size is projected to be extraordinary, affecting regions far beyond the storm's eyewall.
Helene formed in the Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, with winds initially reaching 45 mph. As it moves toward the eastern Gulf of Mexico, it is expected to strengthen significantly. Forecasts suggest it may hit Florida’s eastern Panhandle or the Big Bend region on Thursday night as a major hurricane. One thing seems certain—the storm will be unusually large. NHC Senior Specialist John Cangialosi expressed confidence in the hurricane's size, predicting it to be larger than 90% of storms recorded in the same area over the past two decades. This size could make Helene comparable to massive hurricanes like Irma in 2017 and the infamous Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
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While Helene’s exact strength remains uncertain, its sheer size poses serious risks. The storm's enormous circumference is expected to cause severe storm surges, winds, and heavy rainfall across a wide area, especially on its east side. If the forecast holds, most of Florida could experience significant impacts from what meteorologists call the "dirty side" of the storm, where the worst effects tend to concentrate.
Although Helene’s path is similar to that of Hurricane Idalia in 2023, which also struck Florida’s Big Bend region, the NHC warns against drawing direct comparisons. Helene is expected to be far larger than Idalia, which spared much of Florida’s west coast. Helene, on the other hand, could bring a 10-15 foot storm surge to the Big Bend, with lesser but still concerning surges stretching as far south as the Florida Keys.
The hurricane’s forward speed is likely to accelerate as it approaches land, potentially spreading powerful winds deep into the southeastern U.S. Widespread power outages, infrastructure damage, and road blockages are possible far from the storm's center. This news adds another layer of urgency for residents in affected areas to closely monitor local warnings and prepare for what could be a historic storm.
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