As Florida’s Big Bend area braces for the arrival of Hurricane Helene, dramatic footage of the massive storm was captured by NASA’s International Space Station (ISS). In a video shared by the ISS on their official X account, a dense, swirling white cloud can be seen hovering over the Pacific Ocean, showcasing the sheer size of the hurricane. The storm is expected to make landfall in Florida as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, with wind speeds reaching up to 130 mph.
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
The International Space Station flew over Hurricane Helene at 2:25 p.m. EDT Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, as it approached the Gulf Coast of Florida packing winds in excess of 120 miles an hour. pic.twitter.com/J1iU0Iztpx
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) September 26, 2024
Storm Surge Warnings Issued for Florida’s West Coast
With Hurricane Helene approaching, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued storm surge warnings along Florida’s west coast. In some areas, the surge is expected to reach staggering heights of up to 20 feet, posing a significant threat to coastal regions. The NWS has identified several areas in Florida that are particularly vulnerable to the storm surge, urging residents to take immediate precautions.
- Carrabelle to Suwannee River: Surge could reach between 15 and 20 feet
- Apalachicola to Carrabelle: 10 to 15 feet of surge expected
- Suwannee River to Chassahowitzka: 10 to 15 feet of surge forecasted
- Chassahowitzka to Anclote River: Possible surge of 8 to 12 feet
- Indian Pass to Apalachicola: 6 to 10 feet of surge anticipated
- Anclote River to Longboat Key: Surge predicted between 5 and 8 feet
- Tampa Bay: Expected to see 5 to 8 feet of surge
Evacuation Orders and Warnings from Officials
In response to the imminent threat, Florida Senator Marco Rubio has strongly urged residents in the most at-risk areas to evacuate without delay. “Humans cannot survive this storm surge,” Rubio warned, emphasizing the life-threatening nature of the hurricane.
Taylor County, located along the Big Bend, is expected to bear the brunt of the storm. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that Taylor County could be the site of Helene’s landfall, which has led to strict evacuation orders being implemented across the region.
In an ominous message, the sheriff of the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office took to Facebook to issue a grim warning, advising those refusing to evacuate to write their names on their bodies for identification in the event of death caused by the storm surge.
Hurricane Helene’s Potential Impact
As Hurricane Helene inches closer to Florida, officials and weather experts continue to urge residents to evacuate vulnerable areas and prepare for the worst. The combination of high winds and a dangerous storm surge poses a severe threat to both life and property across the region. Emergency response teams remain on high alert as the storm’s landfall approaches.
With its massive size and immense power, Hurricane Helene is poised to bring devastating conditions to Florida’s west coast. Floridians are encouraged to stay informed and take all necessary precautions as the storm nears its impact zone.
