Tropical Storm Helene live updates: track, weather forecast and affected areas
Tropical Storm Helene live tracker
Hurricane Helene made landfall along the Florida coastline, bringing perilous conditions to the area.
Although the storm has weakened into a tropical storm, it is affecting Georgia and will continue to bring significant rainfall and the potential for flooding further inland.
Watch the live tracker to monitor the development of this powerful weather system.
Helene downgraded to tropical storm
Helene has weakened and has been downgraded to a tropical storm. The storm surge along parts of the Florida coast are expected to subside today.
However, powerful winds will continue to pummel portions of Georgia and the Carolinas today, particularly over the higher terrain of the southern Appalachians.
Flash flooding is expected in urban areas, and significant landslides can take place in parts of the southern Appalachians through Friday.
Storm warnings up in four states
When looking at the cone in forecasts, keep in mind that it demonstrates the probable path of the storm but it does not show its size. Dangerous conditions can take place outside of the cone.
Tropical storm warnings continue to be in effect in North Florida, Most of Georgia, the whole South Carolina, and Western North Carolina.
Power outages through Georgia
Hundreds of thousands of households in Georgia are without power as strong winds gust through the state. Powerful winds are threatening the crops of farmers.
Helene pummeling Georgia
Helene is moving inland over central Georgia, bringing powerful winds and heavy rains.
Residents are urged to remain in place, stay away from windows, and keep themselves posted on the latest weather warnings and updates.
The immense size of Helene increases tornado risk
When it comes to hurricanes, size affects their capacity to produce tornadoes. Weather officials say bigger storms are likely to provide wider areas of winds with instability and more chances for tornado production.
National Hurricane Center data indicate that Helene’s mean diameter is more than 440 miles, making it much larger than the average hurricane, which measures 300 miles.
Swamp buggies deployed in Florida
Helene slammed Florida as it made landfall and unleashed torrential rains and dangerous storm surge.
The amount of water dumped by the hurricane rendered roads impassable. Although Helene has been downgraded into a category 1 hurricane, the dangers from both the wind and rain continue as it heads into Georgia.
Helene’s life-threatening storm surge
Florida has been battered by numerous hurricanes over the years and some facilities are equipped to deal with the dangers that come with these storms.
Tampa General Hospital has a waterproof barrier built to resist storm surge of up to 15 feet, which has kept the waters from Helene at bay.
Hurricane Helene has weakened to category 1 status, but continues to bring dangerous weather conditions.
Hurricanes are classified into different categories based on their wind speeds and potential for damage. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is commonly used to categorize these storms from Category 1 to Category 5, with Category 1 being the least severe and Category 5 the most severe.
Here’s a breakdown of the categories and the damage they can wreak.
Hurricane Helene heading into Georgia
Helene continues to produce hurricane-force winds that are moving further into Georgia. Weather officials remind residents that this is a life-threatening situation. People are urged to remain in their shelters until perilous conditions abate.
There may be relative calm when the eye of the hurricane passes, but avoid venturing out as dangerous winds can resume very quickly.
Florida's Manatee County starts to evacuate hotel guests from their region
Guests at a Ramada Inn in Manatee County, Florida were evacuated due to flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
“The number of documented road closures due to flooding and storm damage is growing,” the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said. “Please avoid traveling if possible, especially in the dark.”
Hurricane Helene moves into Georgia: Live updates
Hello and welcome to AS USA's live blog covering Hurricane Helene. The storm made landfall in Florida bringing life-threatening conditions to the area. As it heads into Georgia, residents are urged to heed warnings from emergency management officials.
We will supplement that advice with news on the storm as it moves further inland.