John Tyson
The forecast for Hurricane Helene looks disastrous, way beyond Florida. With the storm churning its way toward the Gulf Coast, landfall is expected to have an impact far beyond Florida. The size and strength of Helene pose a grave threat not only to the coastal areas but to the interior hundred miles inland. Forecasters said major flooding and damaging winds will be in far-from-coast areas.
Given the massive reach of the storm, heavy rain and flooding with wind damage are expected across the southeastern U.S., hence preparation is justified. Inland flooding is highly likely; hence, all precautionary measures to avoid disasters should be taken.
Preparing for the Storm’s Landfall
Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida by Thursday evening. Unusually large, with a size of winds extending 275 miles from its center, Helene thus presents an unusually dangerous storm. The immensity means even areas quite far from the coast will feel its effects.
Heavy rain and winds will begin well in advance of the hurricane’s landfall in southeastern parts of the country. Torrential rain, flash flooding, and damaging winds are forecast across the southern Appalachian region. Urban areas that could be hit hard include Tallahassee, Atlanta, and parts of North Carolina.
Rain totals up to 18 inches are possible in some areas going into Friday. Communities in mountainous areas will face extreme risks from landslides, flash flooding and river rises. NOAA has issued a rare warning about the inland threats.
Inland Flooding: A Major Concern
One of the greatest dangers as Helene moves north will be inland flooding. In the past decade, more people have died from flooding associated with hurricanes than from any other single hurricane-related threat. The southern Appalachians are particularly vulnerable to that threat, given their topography and recent rainfall.
The heaviest flooding remains in this region, but far-reaching effects of this storm will stretch well beyond. A Marginal Risk of flooding pushes as north as Indiana, Ohio and even into the Washington D.C. Area.
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said, “A flood disaster may occur for parts of northern Georgia, South Carolina and western North Carolina.” He added, “Heavy rainfall will well occur before and after landfall of Helene, creating unsafe conditions.”.
In the lead-up to Helene’s arrival, flash flooding has already occurred from northern Georgia into South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and into Virginia. This additional rain has saturated the ground so that further flooding is more likely and will be worse.
States Brace for Impact
States across the Southeast are preparing for the arrival of Helene. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency as heavy rains and flooding are forecasted. The worst of the storm is most likely to miss coastal Virginia, but western parts could see upwards of several inches of rain.
Communities in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee are also on alert for flooding, since these regions will see beneficial but precarious rainfall. One possible advantage of the widespread rain brought from Helene is that these areas and the region’s drought-stricken parts could get some much-needed moisture in Virginia and Kentucky.
However, with this rain are many significant risks that take away much of the benefits. In fact, for many areas-especially those who have received recent rainfall-a flooding and landslide threat is real.
The Fujiwhara Effect and Helene’s Impact
One of the factors that makes Hurricane Helene a unique contributor to its impact is what scientists refer to as the Fujiwhara effect: a meteorological event in which two storms draw near enough to each other to begin interacting. Helene may entwine itself with an overland low-pressure system over the south-central United States as it approaches.
It would then be taken over by the Fujiwhara effect, which lets the two storms dance with one another around a common center, strengthening the rainfall and winds. That could lead to even more rainfall than typically experienced in such a case well away from the hurricane’s center. States in the Mid-South and Ohio Valley are at risk of severe flooding as a result.
The Fujiwhara effect could bump up the reach of the storm and its potential for damage. Residents are advised to stay updated about the path of the storm and undertake necessary precautions.
Staying Safe During Hurricane Helene
With Hurricane Helene now slowly churning toward the coast, it is now time for individuals in the places likely to be affected by this disaster to get ready. Even those who are very far from the coast should not make light of the threat of flooding. Here are key steps for staying safe during the storm:
- Evacuate when necessary: Follow local emergency management authorities’ orders. If evacuation is advised, leave the area promptly to avoid being trapped by rising waters.
- Know your flood risk: Be aware if you live in a flood-prone area, and plan accordingly. Flood-prone zones are particularly dangerous during hurricanes.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Stock up on essential supplies, including water, nonperishable food, and medications. This kit should last at least three days in case you need to shelter in place.
- Stay off flooded roads: Never attempt to drive through floodwaters. Even shallow water can be dangerous and may sweep vehicles off the road.
- Protect your home: If possible, use sandbags to block potential floodwaters from entering your home. Move valuable items to higher ground to avoid water damage.
Flooding can occur in a very short period of time, and one must be prepared by knowing the current events. Stay tuned to weather reports and emergency messages on the radio or television throughout the day, but especially if you live in communities represented as flood-prone areas.
A Long-Lasting Impact
Because Hurricane Helene is so large and has the potential for inland flooding, its impacts will be felt far from Florida. In fact, the risk to communities across the southeastern U.S.-from flash floods to damaging winds-could affect millions of people.
Heavy rainfall and winds will still pummel areas hundreds of miles from the center. Heavy rain, flash floods, and possible landslides may affect states from Georgia to Ohio. Furthermore, this can be enhanced by the Fujiwhara effect, increasing the chances of the threatening severe flooding.
The more informed and the more caution taken with regard to safety, the better people will be able to protect themselves and their families from the storm’s dangers. As long as preparation and caution are taken, Hurricane Helene may last a little bit longer, but the impact of the storm will be mitigated.
