Possible Hurricane Helene Taking Aim At Florida's Gulf Coast
A Slow Hurricane Season Suddenly Makes Up For Lost Time With A Hurricane In The Pacific And Another Possible CAT 3 In The Atlantic.
Hurricane John and Hurricane Helene are making headlines this week as CAT 3 events. Hurricane John spawned in the Pacific and made landfall in mainland Mexico while Helene increases in power in the Gulf of Mexico, projected to hit Florida's West Coast.
Hurricane John hit with winds of 120 mph (193 kph) making landfall southwest of Marquelia in the state of Guerrero, at about 9:15 p.m. CST, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC).
"Don't forget that life is the most important thing - material things can be replaced," wrote President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on social media.
Two people are now dead after Hurricane John blew roofs off houses, triggering mudslides and toppled trees, said officials Tuesday. The two deaths occured when a mudslide took out a home in the mountains of Tlacoachistlahuaca, according to Evelyn Salgado, governor of Guerrero. The storm is still drenching the region but has now become a tropical storm.
The country’s electricity commission said that it had deployed nearly 1,400 electricians to the region, along with cranes and emergency power plants, to prevent and fix any power outages. No power outage statistics were available at the time of this writing.
'Future Hurricane' Helene Headed To Florida
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With locations in Pensacola and Jacksonville, the Generator Source teams are preparing for the worst. as forecasters are predicting Helene's formation as well as a 15-foot storm surge for Florida's Gulf Coast.
The National Hurricane Center’s latest forecast has this system growing from a disturbance to a CAT 3 hurricane making landfall in the Big Bend region Thursday evening.
"We are busy here in Jacksonville making sure our clients are ready for power outages or anything else this system brings to our region," said Chad Rowland at Jacksonville Generator Source.
"We are hooking up a 1 MW rental unit at the TV station so they will not miss a second to inform residents of the dangers and hazards to watch for," continued Rowland. "I have two 120 kW rental units on hold for a couple major power and industrial companies. We are also waiting to heard back on an opportunity to rent three 500 kWs."
"Make sure your generator is ready whether it's your personal portable and home standby or a unit you are in charge of at the business," said Oliver Fingado at our Pensacola location. "Make sure it is topped off and ready to provide power. Now is a great time to start it and liet t run a bit. If you experience issues, call us fast.
"We are in full preparation mode, filled up everything with fuel, got the rentals and cables ready, printed carbon contracts in case the internet is down," added Fingado. "All techs here are on standby for emergency services. We expect to be doing a lot of deliver and hook up rentals."
Currently, hurricane and tropical storm watches are in affect for most of Florida’s west coast from the Keys north. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 41 counties, and evacuations will be called Tuesday.
“Due to the forecast large size of this system, storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts will extend well away from the center of the state, particularly on the east side,” forecasters wrote in a 5 a.m. discussion.
Story Summary
What category was Hurricane John when it made landfall?
Hurricane John made landfall as a CAT 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (193 km/h).
Where did Hurricane John make landfall?
John made landfall near Marquelia in the state of Guerrero, Mexico.
What were the main impacts of Hurricane John?
The storm caused destructive winds, life-threatening storm surge, and flash flooding. At least two people died in a mudslide.
How quickly did Hurricane John intensify?
John underwent rapid intensification, growing from 35 mph winds to CAT 3 strength in just 24 hours.
Future Hurricane Helene
Where is Hurricane Helene expected to make landfall?
Helene is projected to hit Florida's West Coast, specifically in the Big Bend region.
What category is Hurricane Helene expected to be at landfall?
Forecasts predict Helene will be a CAT 3 hurricane when it makes landfall.
What preparations are being made for Hurricane Helene?
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 41 counties. Evacuations are expected to be called on Tuesday. Power companies are preparing by renting and scheduling maintenance on backup generators./Hurricane-Helene-Taking-Aim-At-Florida-s-Gulf-Coas/FLREntal2-(Custom).jpg.aspx "FLREntal2-(Custom).jpg")
What impacts are expected from Hurricane Helene?
A 15-foot storm surge is predicted for Florida's Gulf Coast. The large size of the system means storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts will extend well beyond the center.
How are these hurricanes related to climate change?
Experts attribute the rapid intensification of these storms to warmer ocean temperatures, which provide more energy for hurricanes to strengthen quickly. The Atlantic hurricane season in general has been slower, below average number of hurricanes thus far, this season.
What should residents in affected areas do?
Officials advise seeking higher ground, evacuating if instructed, and prioritizing personal safety over material possessions.
Brian La Rue
| 9/24/2024 9:38:36 AM
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