Major Hurricane Helene: Thursday Evening Update

Hurricane Helene is now a Category 3 Major Hurricane with Maximum Sustained Winds of 125 mph, Pressure 951 millibars, and is strengthening. Helene’s movement has also been faster meaning onset of dangerous conditions will be earlier than previously expected, but the worst in our area remains generally overnight into wee hours of Friday morning.

NOW is the time to GO where you plan to seek refuge in the storm. Time is running out if you feel that will be unsafe in your dwelling or if you live in a manufactured home or mobile home. And, there are many mandatory curfews in effect, especially after dark.

I would strongly encourage you to stay in a sturdier structure with a family member, a neighbor, or at a temporary storm shelter.

This has the potential to cause “significant” to “catastrophic” wind damage along its path. That looks to be east of Hwy 19, and mainly near, along, and east of the Hwy 319 & I-75 corridors.

There will be tree damage, downed power lines, and widespread power outages. It’s very important that you shelter-in-place at the onset of these dangerous conditions.

The Tropical Storm force winds will start arriving in rain bands or squalls by early evening. Hurricane force winds arrive near Hwy 84 corridor by mid evening then spreading northward the remainder of the overnight hours into early Friday morning.

Stay with your CBS 44 Weather Authority for life-saving severe weather information. We will live stream and I’ll post a link here on Facebook to watch our coverage until we are no longer able to broadcast. We plan on hourly updates throughout the evening, then wall-to-wall coverage as hurricane force winds enters our area.

Prayers, Stay Safe,
Meteorologist Matthew Crumley

@Matthew Crumley

Because Local Matters!