HELENE BECOMES A HURRICANE

EXPECTED TO BRING DAMAGING WINDS AND FLOODING RAINS TO SOUTHEAST CENTRAL ALABAMA.

Current Watches and Warnings for Alabama from the National Weather Service

- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Barbour, Bullock, Chambers, Lee, Macon, Pike, and Russell

STORM INFORMATION:
- About 740 miles south of Montgomery AL
- 21.6N 86.3W
- Storm Intensity 80 mph

Current Position of Helene

Helene is located 45 miles east-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and is moving northwest at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph.

Notes on Helene

  • According to the National Hurricane Center, “Helene is expected to rapidly intensify and grow in size over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.”
  • The projected landfall is on Thursday in the location range south of Tallahassee and east of Apalachicola.
  • “The latest forecast calls for a 120-mph intensity by 36 hours, and this could be conservative as some of the guidance is stronger,” said James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist.
  • Because of the predicted size and strength of this future hurricane, strong winds could penetrate farther inland after landfall over parts of the southeastern United States.

Possible Alabama Impacts Due to Helene

“The Central Gulf Coast (Gulf Shores to Panama City Beach) is expected to be on the good, west side of the circulation with an offshore flow,” said Spann.

Severe Weather Outlook

Wind gusts in the state's western half will reach 20-25 mph.

“Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are forecast for eastern Alabama, with the highest gusts across the far southeast counties along and south of the I-85 corridor,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

Tornadoes are minimal at this time because of the side of the system on which Alabama will be located. Most tornado activity is associated east of the center of circulation of a hurricane.

Influx of Rain Outlook

Up to 1 to 3 inches of rain could fall in Western Alabama, while the eastern portion of the state could receive 3 to 5 inches.

The Weather Channel said, “Rainfall totals could be 5 to 10 inches in the Southeast U.S., with isolated amounts of up to 15 inches possible.”

“Rainfall amounts continue to increase, with the potential of 4 to 8 inches of rain with isolated pockets of 10 inches possible,” said the National Weather Service in Birmingham. “Depending on how much rain falls during the day today, that could lead to a heightened flood threat when Helene arrives.”

News, Local News, Alabama News, Weather, Local Weather, Alabama Weather, West Alabama Weather, Central Alabama Weather, Breaking News, Central Alabama Weather, Breaking News, National Weather Service in Birmingham, James Spann, National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Season, Tropical Wave, Tropical Depression, Tropical Storm, Hurricane, will there be a hurricane to impact Alabama, Chances of Alabama getting a Hurricane,
National Hurricane Center
loading...

Outlook for Football Games

Spann said, “The weather will improve across Alabama by midday Friday; we expect just a few isolated, light showers Friday night and Saturday. The bottom line is that the weather won't be bad at all for high school and college games in the state, but keep in mind a passing shower can't be ruled out. Wind will be under 10 mph.”

The Townsquare Media Weather Center will continue to monitor conditions closely for updates as conditions can evolve, altering forecasts and impact projections.

Mary K. – Weather Forecaster

LOOK: Things You Saw at Grandma's House

Step into Grandma's house, where cookie tins hold mysteries and even the toilet roll cover has a story to tell.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

Things You'd Find in Every 90s Home Back in the Day

The tell-tale signs of a home in the '90s.

Gallery Credit: Danielle Kootman

LOOK: How Many of These Discontinued Millennial Munchies Do You Remember?

You'll have better luck paying off your student loans than finding these discontinued snacks in stores.

Gallery Credit: Meg Dowdy

LOOK: 35 Vintage Cereals That Perfectly Captured Pop Culture Moments

Movies and TV shows have always found ways to partner with cereal companies as part of their promotion strategy. While some may have come up with a giveaway in boxes, others went big by having their own cereal connected to the movie or TV show title. Here are vintage cereals that were used to promote some of pop culture's biggest moments (and some you probably forgot about).

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll

LOOK: Unique baby names from the year you were born

Stacker highlighted one of the least-used baby names from each year between 1950 and 2022, using data from the Social Security Administration.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: Baby names losing popularity in the 21st century

Stacker took a look at the names losing popularity in the 21st century, using data from the Social Security Administration.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: Can you guess the world-famous actor from a childhood photo?

Stacker used Getty Images to compile photos of beloved actors from when they were children. How many can you guess from their childhood picture alone?

Gallery Credit: Stacker