Hurricane Helene to bring rain to West Michigan this weekend

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall on Florida’s Big Bend Thursday evening.

The storm will reach Category 3 strength, potentially up to Category 4. Packing winds near 124 mph, peak storm surge is expected at 15 to 20 feet.

WEST MICHIGAN IMPACTS

As the storm continues to track north, it will maintain tropical storm strength through Friday morning. Estimated rainfall amounts may reach between 12 and 16 inches in portions of North Carolina and South Carolina.

By the time Helene reaches the Midwest, it will lose strength. Still, the storm will have a good amount of moisture, which means there are chances for rain Saturday through Tuesday in West Michigan.

Rainfall estimates are rather minor, especially compared to what southern states will endure. Scattered showers will leave behind a trace to a half inch of rain by Tuesday evening.

Some counties along the Michigan-Indiana border could see locally higher totals towards an inch.

A TOUCH MUGGY

As moisture moves into the Midwest, dew points will be on the rise this weekend.

As October arrives on Tuesday, cooler air will settle in for about 48 hours. Expect high temperatures in the mid- to upper 60s. Sunshine and low 70s look to return by late next week.

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