Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall Thursday evening on Florida’s northwestern coast, bringing heavy rain, flash floods, and gusty winds. The storm is forecasted to continue its path through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, potentially causing severe weather conditions across the southeastern United States.
The National Weather Service warns that Helene's fast forward speed may result in strong, damaging winds penetrating well inland, including the southern Appalachian Mountains. Tropical storm warnings have been issued as far north as North Carolina.
Understanding the Fujiwhara Effect
The Fujiwhara Effect is a rare weather phenomenon where tropical cyclones interact with each other, rotating about a common midpoint. This interaction can lead to the storms shaping each other and sometimes merging into one.
While Helene is not technically undergoing the Fujiwhara Effect, it is responding to the effects of a low-pressure weather system to its northwest, causing it to move in a unique pattern.
Previous Weather Events
The interaction between tropical storms and atmospheric weather systems is more common than the Fujiwhara Effect. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 is an example of such an event, where the storm was influenced by an upper-low weather system.
Potential Impacts in the Southeastern U.S.
The combination of Helene's movement speed, size, and interactions with pressure systems could lead to catastrophic flash flooding, landslides, and gusty winds in the southeastern U.S. Areas inland, including northern Florida and the Atlanta metro area, may experience severe weather conditions.
The hurricane center has issued warnings for prolonged power outages and dangerous flooding in the region. Governors of several states have declared emergencies in preparation for the storm's impact.
Landfall and Impact
Hurricane Helene is expected to hit northwestern Florida on Thursday evening as a major hurricane, potentially causing a storm surge of up to 20 feet. The storm, which formed in the Caribbean Sea, has already affected parts of Mexico and Cuba, knocking out power to thousands of homes and businesses.
