Helene 8 am update: Helene weakens to Tropical Storm as it moves over Georgia

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Helene has weakened to a Tropical Storm as it moves over Georgia after making landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida as a major Category 4 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center.

As of the 8 a.m. update, Helene continues to produce damaging winds and life-threatening flooding as it moves over the Southeast and Southern Appalachians. A flash flood emergency is currently in effect for the Atlanta area.

Helene weakened to a Tropical Storm around 5 a.m. The storm has 60 mph sustained winds and is located 35 miles south-southwest of Clemson, South Carolina, and is moving at 30 mph.

Helene is expected to continue to weaken and become a post-tropical low Friday afternoon or night.

The storm is expected to bring “unsurvivable” storm surge of up to 20 feet to the Big Bend area, according to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, which called it a “nightmare surge scenario.”

• Holmes Beach suffers ‘severe damage’ from Hurricane Helene
• Gov. DeSantis gives update on effects of Hurricane Helene in Florida
• WATCH: Crews begin Hurricane Helene rescue efforts across Tampa Bay
• VIDEOS: Hurricane Helene leaves behind damage across Tampa Bay
• Flood waters slowly recede today, still gusty

Watches and warnings

All Hurricane warnings have been discontinued along the Florida coast south of the Flagler/Volusia County line as well as along the Florida west coast south of the mouth of the Suwannee River, according to NHC.

A Tropical Storm warning is in effect for…

• Altamaha Sound, northward to Little River Inlet

The Florida coast from the mouth of the Suwanee River to Mexico Beach is now under a Tropical Storm Warning.

A Storm Surge Warning for the Florida coast west of Indian Pass and south of the Middle of Longboat Key has been discontinued.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for…

• Indian Pass to Middle of Longboat Key
• Tampa Bay

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