Potential Hurricane to Hit Florida This Week, NHC Warns

The National Hurricane Center has warned that a hurricane could hit Florida later this week. They currently classify the weather system as “Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine,” but anticipate it to develop into a hurricane, named “Hurricane Helene,” by the end of the week.

Tropical storm conditions, and potentially hurricane conditions, are expected to affect parts of western Cuba and the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on Tuesday night. 

The storm is projected to intensify and become a major hurricane, potentially a category 3, by Thursday, as it reaches the northeastern Gulf Coast. As of Monday morning, forecasts suggest the hurricane will make landfall along the Florida Panhandle sometime on Thursday. Tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches are in place for portions of Mexico and Cuba.

The National Hurricane Center announced on Monday that there is a growing risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds along parts of the northern and northeastern Gulf Coast, including the Florida Panhandle and sections of Florida’s west coast.

As of Monday morning, the National Weather Service stated that it is too early to determine the exact location of the storm and its impact, but urged residents in its path to stay updated on forecasts and ensure they have a hurricane plan in place. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 41 out of 67 counties in Florida on Monday in anticipation of the anticipated weather.

This storm could become the fourth hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. this year, as extreme weather events are anticipated to become more prevalent due to climate change in the Gulf of Mexico. The last time four or more hurricanes landed in the U.S. during hurricane season was in 2020, the most active hurricane season on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.