Hello, Lowcountry! It’s Time to Talk About Tropical Storm Helene
As we gear up for some weather excitement, we want to fill you in on what’s happening with Tropical Storm Helene. This storm is making its way toward the far northwestern Caribbean Sea and is set to intensify into a hurricane soon. According to the latest updates from the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office, we may be feeling the effects of Helene here in the Lowcountry by the end of this week.
Here’s What We Know So Far
As of Tuesday morning, Helene is located approximately 180 miles east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. The storm is currently moving at 12 mph, with wind speeds of up to 45 mph. Forecasters predict that Helene will reach the eastern Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday, and it could even hit the Florida Gulf coast by late Thursday. They mentioned that the storm is likely to get stronger and could become a major hurricane by Thursday.
What Does This Mean for Us?
Local meteorologists are expressing that we should take this storm seriously. Frank Strait, the state’s severe weather liaison, shared some insights about the track of the storm, indicating that we could see effects here even if we are outside the main path. “We have enough consensus among computer model forecasts to say that South Carolina will see effects and that they have the potential to be significant,” he stated.
The National Weather Service is keeping a close eye on things. They’ve indicated that from Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening, we could see a range of impacts, including:
- Tropical-storm-force winds
- Storm surge
- Heavy rainfall
- Elevated tides
- Isolated tornadoes
- Rough surf conditions
In fact, the bulk of the impacts are expected on Thursday, which is shaping up to be the most eventful day for us. There’s a chance we could start feeling some minor effects as early as Wednesday afternoon.
Rain and Winds Ahead
In Beaufort County, we could see up to 3 inches of rain from Wednesday evening to Friday evening. The most significant rainfall is likely to occur Thursday into that night. Local meteorologists have emphasized that the rain could lead to flash flooding if it all falls quickly. So, if your plans include being outdoors this week, you might want to keep a close watch on the forecast!
Prepare for the Storm
While the chances of hurricane-force winds hitting the Lowcountry are currently low, tropical-storm-force winds are expected to begin around Thursday afternoon. Additionally, expect high surf, significant beach erosion, and even potentially deadly rip currents, especially on Thursday and Friday.
The marine conditions could also become quite rough, with sea levels building between 8 and 16 feet. Winds are expected to gust up to 55 mph, which adds to the dangers of being near the water. There’s also the risk of storm surge inundation of 1 to 2 feet above normally dry ground in tidal areas, leading to flooding in those regions.
Final Thoughts: Time to Get Ready
As we prepare for this incoming weather, it’s time to gather supplies and make a plan if you haven’t already. Frank Strait reminds us, “It’s time to prepare for a big storm, and you have until Thursday afternoon to prepare.” So, let’s stay safe and keep an eye on Helene as it develops!
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s hope for the best as we navigate through the changes in our weather!
