Miami, FL – South Florida is bracing for dangerous conditions as rain bands from Hurricane Helene continue to move across the region early Thursday. The National Weather Service warns of a possible storm surge up to 5 feet along the Gulf Coast from Flamingo to Bonita Beach, with localized flooding expected in low-lying areas.
While Helene’s landfall is projected for Florida’s Big Bend later today, South Florida remains under a tropical storm warning. The risk of tornadoes is also high, as rotating storms in the hurricane’s outer bands could generate dangerous conditions across parts of southeast Florida.
As Helene moves closer, storm surge remains the greatest threat to South Florida. The surge could inundate coastal communities and cause significant damage to infrastructure, particularly in areas along the Gulf Coast.
Officials urge residents to stay off roads, avoid coastal areas, and secure their homes before conditions deteriorate further. According to the National Weather Service, additional rain bands may bring more flooding and tornado risks throughout the day. Stay alert for tornado warnings and be prepared to seek shelter if necessary. Keep updated on weather alerts and avoid flood-prone areas as conditions are expected to worsen into Friday.
