Storm surge risk of 15-20 feet from Hurricane Helene

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida Thursday evening as a major hurricane.

As Hurricane Helene approaches the panhandle and Big Bend region of Florida some communities along the Gulf of Mexico could see storm surge as high as 15 to 20 feet which would put entire homes underwater.

Hurricanes turn counterclockwise and with an onshore wind out of the southwest, the wind will push the ocean water onshore, especially in the big bend of Florida, the water has only one place to go, and that is inland.

Peak Storm Surge Forecast

In some areas of the Florida panhandle, the ocean water could be pushed as far as 20 miles inland. Even areas like Tampa Bay that won’t see a direct hit from Helene will be dealing with a storm surge of 3 to 7 feet.

If you are ever in an area at risk of storm surge, evacuate to higher ground or travel as far inland as you can.

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Chris Bouzakis is a meteorologist who has been a part of the 22News team since 2021. Follow Chris on X @ChrisBouzakis and view his bio to see more of his work.

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