Mississippi Expected to be Out of Danger for Catastrophic Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene is approaching Florida with a vengeance, and storm experts are expecting the damage to be deadly.

Hurricane HelenePhoto byNational Hurricane Center Video Screenshot

According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm surge from Helene is likely to hit along portions of the Florida Big Bend Coast, where "inundation could reach as high as 20 feet above ground level, along with with destructive waves."

In addition, the wind speeds from Helene could reach at least 130 mph by Thursday afternoon, with additional strength and speed possible before Helene makes landfall.

The storm-force winds and flooding are expected to impact the coast of Florida, as well as send storm-force winds and flooding as far north as Tennessee and South Carolina.

Robert Latham, retired Mississippi Emergency Management director, took to Facebook Wednesday night to post about Helene. Latham wrote, "Hurricane Helene is forecasted to make landfall in the big bend area of Florida as a Cat 4 hurricane or larger. This is likely to be catastrophic with storm surge in excess of 20’ in places. Please pray for the citizens of Florida as well as emergency personnel who are preparing for the aftermath. I pray that everyone is evacuating as directed. You cannot and will not survive a storm like this."

Helene is not expected to bring much to Mississippi beyond some rain and overcast skies, but as always, Mississippians are encouraged to monitor the weather for any changes.