Hurricane Helene Tracker Live Radar Map, Projected Path
NOAA National Hurricane Center Hurricane Helene Projected Path Update
Hurricane Helene (formerly Invest 97L and Potential Tropical Cyclone 9) is located about 170 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, and is moving to the north-northeast at 16 mph (26 km/h).
NHC forecasters say that a significant increase in forward speed is expected during the next 24 hours.
On the official NHC forecast track, Helene will make landfall in the Florida Big Bend region this evening.
After landfall, Helene is expected to turn northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday.
Hurricane Helene Computer Models
Hurricane Helene Strength
Hurricane Helene has maximum sustained winds near 120 mph (195 km/h), with higher gusts.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center of the tropical cyclone, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 345 miles (555 km).
Strengthening is expected during the next few days, and the system is forecast to become a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale on Thursday as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
Hurricane Helene Watches and Warnings
A Storm Surge Warning is currently in effect for the area from Indian Pass southward to Flamingo, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.
A Hurricane Warning has been issued from Anclote River to Mexico Beach, Florida.
A Hurricane Watch is in place from Englewood to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay.
A Tropical Storm Warning is active for Florida the Keys, including the Dry Tortugas, Flamingo to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay, west of Mexico Beach to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line, Flamingo northward to South Santee River, and Lake Okeechobee.
NOAA historical hurricane data. Peak season and storm frequency. |
Peak hurricane season is September 10, according to NOAA and the National Weather Service’s historical hurricane activity data.