UPDATE: Hurricane Helene projected to make landfall late Thursday

OVERVIEW PTC Nine will move northward & develop into a hurricane by Wednesday (Helene). Rapid movement toward the Florida Gulf Coast is expected, with landfall Thursday Night. Quick hitting but significant system. Well NW of us by Saturday Wednesday – Upper Low Trough will bring about rain showers and possibly a few thunderstorms for our area; no severe weather expected Thursday – Hurricane Helene is projected to make land fall late Thursday Friday: Remnants of Hurricane Helene / Tropical Storm will continue to bring heavy rain and winds for at the least the early half of the day FLOODING RAIN THREATS Flooding, Flash Flooding, and Urban Flooding (rivers, lakes, streams) – Heavy Rainfall with Continuous Bands will produce 4 to 6 inches of rain from Thursday Through late Friday Afternoon TROPICAL STORM FORCE WIND THREATS Sustained Winds approximately 15 to 20 mph with Wind gust potential up to 40mph across far eastern/southeastern counties – POTENTIAL FOR WIND GUSTS IN THE RANGE OF 39 TO 57 MPH – Thursday Night Through Friday HAZARDS: Flooded Roadways, Creeks, Rivers, and Streams, and Low-Lying Areas, Downed Trees &/or Limbs and Power Lines, Sporadic Power Outages Possible – our county has a few older bridges that are significantly prone to flooding – please do not ever attempt to drive through flooded areas Precautions / Hazards: Don’t walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. There could be debris or live power lines that you can’t see, or the roadway or bridge could be collapsed underneath the water. NEVER drive around barricades Secure loose items around your yard or on your decks/patio, like lightweight patio furniture, trash cans, and lawn furniture before the storm arrives. These items can become projectiles (flying objects) Avoid Driving High profile vehicles if Possible (Buses, Semi-Tractor Trailers, Campers/RV’s, Panel Trucks, enclosed or Open Trailers) can be challenging to drive and are more likely to be affected by high winds and are more likely to be pushed or flipped over by high winds. Drivers should obey wind warnings and prohibitions when they are in effect

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