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Days since last H. Landfall - US: Any 13 (Helene) , Major: 13 (Helene) Florida - Any: 13 (Helene) Major: 13 (Helene)
22.6N 49.3W
Wind: 105MPH
Pres: 972mb
Moving:
Nw at 8 mph
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28.1N 81.3W
Wind: 90MPH
Pres: 975mb
Moving:
Ene at 16 mph
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#1199978 (Received by flhurricane at: 4:57 AM 25.Sep.2024)
TCDAT4

Tropical Storm Helene Discussion Number 8
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092024
400 AM CDT Wed Sep 25 2024

Helen has strengthened some since the last advisory. Reports from
an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that
the central pressure has fallen to 985 mb, and that the maximum
850 mb flight-level were 58 kt in the northeastern quadrant. A
dropsonde in the northwest quadrant reported a splash wind of 59
kt, but the boundary-layer average suggested sustained winds closer
to 45 kt. Based on these data and increasing satellite intensity
estimates, the initial intensity is increased to 55 kt. Despite
the increased intensity, the aircraft data, along with radar data
from Mexico and Cuba, show that Helen has not yet formed a
well-defined inner core.

The initial motion is 325/8 kt. Helen should turn northward during
the next 12 h or so on the western side of a mid-level ridge, and
then it should accelerate northward to north-northeastward as it
become embedded in the deep-layer flow between the ridge and a
mid-latitude trough/developing cut-off low over the Mississippi
valley. This motion should bring the center near the northeastern
coast of the Yucatan Peninsula this morning, then across the
eastern Gulf of Mexico tonight and Thursday to a landfall along the
northeast coast of the Gulf of Mexico late Thursday or Thursday
night. After landfall, Helene should curve cyclonically around the
cut-off low until it dissipates. The new forecast track is little
changed from the previous track.

Over the next couple of days, Helene will be moving through an
environment of low vertical wind shear, ample environmental
moisture, and over waters of high oceanic heat content. All
guidance forecasts steady to rapid intensification, including the
RI indices associated with the SHIPS model. The latest forecast
calls for a 105 kt intensity by 36 h, and this could be
conservative as some of the guidance is stronger. After landfall,
Helen is forecast to weaken and become post-tropical as it gets
tangled up in the baroclinic system over the southeastern United
States.

Helene's wind field is predicted to grow to a very large size in the
NHC forecast. Therefore storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts
will likely extend well away from the center and outside the
forecast cone, particularly on the east side. In addition, the fast
forward speed while Helene crosses the coast will likely result in
farther inland penetration of strong winds over parts of the
southeastern United States after landfall.


KEY MESSAGES:

1. Helene is forecast to intensify and be near hurricane strength
when it passes near the northeastern coast of the Yucatan
Peninsula during the next several hours, where a Hurricane Warning
is in effect.

2. Helene is expected to rapidly intensify and grow in size over the
eastern Gulf of Mexico. There is a danger of life-threatening storm
surge along the entire west coast of the Florida Peninsula and
Florida Big Bend. The highest inundation levels are expected along
the coast of the Florida Big Bend. Residents in those areas should
follow advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do
so.

3. Damaging hurricane-force winds are expected along portions of
coast of the Florida Big Bend, where a Hurricane Warning is now in
effect. Preparations to protect life and property should be
completed by early Thursday since tropical storm conditions are
expected to begin within this area on Thursday.

4. Tropical Storm Helene will bring heavy rain to portions of the
western Caribbean with potentially significant flooding across
western Cuba and the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula. Considerable
and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding is
expected across portions of Florida, the Southeast, the Southern
Appalachians, and the Tennessee Valley beginning today through
Friday. This includes the risk of landslides across the southern
Appalachians. Widespread minor to moderate river flooding is likely,
and isolated major river flooding is possible.


FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 25/0900Z 20.7N 86.2W 55 KT 65 MPH
12H 25/1800Z 21.9N 86.5W 70 KT 80 MPH
24H 26/0600Z 24.1N 86.2W 90 KT 105 MPH
36H 26/1800Z 27.4N 85.0W 105 KT 120 MPH
48H 27/0600Z 32.0N 84.2W 65 KT 75 MPH...INLAND
60H 27/1800Z 35.9N 85.4W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/INLAND
72H 28/0600Z 37.0N 87.8W 20 KT 25 MPH...POST-TROP/INLAND
96H 29/0600Z 36.5N 88.0W 20 KT 25 MPH...POST-TROP/INLAND
120H 30/0600Z...DISSIPATED

$$
Forecaster Beven