Helene becomes Category 4 major hurricane, expected to bring tornado risk to Carolinas after making landfall in Florida

(WGHP) — Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen, bringing with it threats of severe weather throughout the Southeastern United States.

According to the National Hurricane Center’s 11 p.m. advisory, the storm passed through Florida at 24 mph.

It has maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, making it a category 4 hurricane, according to the NHC.

The storm is forecast to track over Georgia and then slow down or stall over the Tennessee Valley.

“It should also be re-emphasized that Helene is a very large hurricane,” the NHC reports. “In fact, comparing the system with previous hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico over the past couple of decades, Helene is at the upper bound in terms of size. As a result, storm surge, wind and rainfall impacts will extend far away from the center and well outside the forecast cone, particularly on the east side.”

Forecasters warn that “catastrophic and deadly storm surge” and “destructive waves” are likely along the Florida Big Bend coast. Inundation could reach as high as 20 feet above ground level.

Storm impacts in North Carolina

Helene is expected to produce considerable flooding, particularly in the area of western North Carolina. Landslides are expected in steep terrain across the southern Appalachians.

There is also a risk of tornados that will increase throughout Thursday. The low country of South Carolina and southern North Carolina are in the area where the greatest tornado threat exists.

For the Piedmont, heavier, widespread rain will move in overnight Thursday into Friday morning. Wind gusts will also increase during this time.

By sunrise Friday, wind gusts will be between 30 and 40 mph. During the day Friday, Helene will continue to weaken and dissipate over Kentucky and Tennessee.

In the Piedmont, heavy rain, even thunderstorms, will march across the region. Heavy rain will move out after lunchtime on Friday. Flooding is possible. Along with the flood threat, Friday will also carry a chance for brief, spin-up tornadoes.

Rain totals will range from 1.5 inches to as much as six inches across the mountains and foothills. Isolated higher rain totals are possible across the mountains.

Wind gusts could be as high as 45 mph. Power outages will be possible on Friday. Our highs will be near 80 degrees.

We will recover on Saturday with highs around 80 degrees. The chance of rain is 25%.

On Sunday, what could be described as the remnants of Helene will leave Kentucky/Tennessee and move into the Piedmont. A few scattered showers are possible with highs in the upper 70s. The chance of rain is 40%.

Showers will linger into Monday with lows in the lower 60s and highs in the middle 70s. The chance of rain is 40%.

On Tuesday, look for partly cloudy skies with lows in the lower 60s and highs in the middle 70s. The chance of rain is 25%.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with lows around 60 degrees and highs in the middle 70s.

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