Storm Surge and Hurricane Watch Issued For Florida Gulf Coast
TAMPA, Florida - The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin has issued hurricane and storm surge watches for West Central and Southwest Florida as Tropical Storm Helene approaches Florida's Gulf Coast beginning Wednesday night through Thursday.
Tropical Storm Helene is currently located approximately 600 miles south of Tampa Bay and is moving to the northwest at 8 mph.
The system is expected to strengthen into Hurricane Helene as it moves into the southern Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday. Widespread impacts are anticipated across West Central and Southwest Florida beginning late Wednesday into Thursday.
Watches and Warnings
- Hurricane Watch and Storm Surge Watch have been issued for:
- Coastal areas: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Levy, Manatee, Pasco, Sarasota, and Pinellas counties.
- Inland areas: Citrus, Hernando, Levy, and Pasco counties.
- Tropical Storm Watch and Storm Surge Watch have been issued for:
- Coastal areas: Charlotte and Lee counties.
- Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:
- Inland areas: DeSoto, Hardee, Charlotte, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk, and Sumter counties.
Key Threats:
- Storm Surge:
- Life-threatening surge of 10 to 15 feet is expected from Chassahowitzka to the Suwannee River.
- Surge of 6 to 10 feet from Anclote River to Chassahowitzka, and 5 to 8 feet from Longboat Key to Anclote River.
- Surge of 4 to 7 feet from Englewood to Longboat Key, and 3 to 5 feet from Bonita Beach to Englewood.
- Heavy Rainfall:
- Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are expected, with isolated areas receiving up to 10 inches. Flooding will be a significant threat from Wednesday evening through Thursday.
- High Winds:
- Hurricane and tropical storm-force winds are expected to develop Wednesday night and continue through Thursday, particularly in coastal areas.
- Tornadoes:
- Tornadoes are possible, especially in the Nature Coast and Tampa Bay areas on Thursday.
