Helene could be record-setting for the Ozarks

As Florida’s panhandle is bracing for Helene’s impact, the Ozarks will also be feeling the effects of Helene. The remnants of Helene will likely be record-setting for the Ozarks, not because of rainfall totals, but instead for the number of tropical storms we’ve seen move through the area this year.

Helene will be the third tropical storm system that has had a direct impact on our weather. By the end of the week, Beryl, Francine and Helene will all have tracked through or near parts of the Ozarks during the 2024 hurricane season.

On July 8-9, 2024, Beryl brought heavy rain to the area . Our eastern counties picked up the highest totals, with areas of Texas County measuring 6.6″ of rain during the two-day period.

In mid-September, the remnants of Francine gifted the eastern half of the Ozarks with more heavy rain. West Plains picked up 2.2″ of rain between September 12-16, 2024.

On Wednesday, Helene will likely make landfall near Tallahassee, Florida as a Category 3 hurricane. After that, the storm will track north and then be pulled west by an upper-level circulation over the Ozarks . The potential is there for at least a few inches of rainfall out of the storm combo.

This could be another “Francine” scenario with heavier rain amounts for those south and east of I-44, with amounts generally under an inch to the north, now if anything at all. In fact, there’s been a shift in much of the guidance toward a drier scenario for the Ozarks. The latest guidance this morning continues to trend that way.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.