Helene Now a Category Three…Top Winds 120 mph

Air Force Hurricane Hunters in Hurricane Helene found maximum flight level winds of 115 knots, the highest we have seen so far a little after 12 noon CDT. The lowest pressure was recorded as 959 mph.

This translates to max winds of 120 as the storm continues to steadily intensify.

000
WTNT64 KNHC 261856
TCUAT4

Hurricane Helene Tropical Cyclone Update
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092024
300 PM EDT Thu Sep 26 2024

…STORM SURGE AND WINDS INCREASING ALONG THE FLORIDA WEST COAST…
…300 PM EDT POSITION UPDATE…

A Weatherflow station at Egmont Channel at the entrance to Tampa
Bay recently measured a sustained wind of 50 mph (80 km/h) and a
gust to 62 mph (100 km/h).

SUMMARY OF 300 PM EDT…1900 UTC…INFORMATION
———————————————-
LOCATION…26.9N 84.8W
ABOUT 160 MI…255 KM WSW OF TAMPA FLORIDA
ABOUT 195 MI…315 KM S OF APALACHICOLA FLORIDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…120 MPH…195 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NNE OR 25 DEGREES AT 20 MPH…31 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…959 MB…28.32 INCHES

$$
Forecaster Berg

The crew noted a circular eye 26 nautical miles in diameter. It appears that it might be clearing out on Satellite…

It is clearly visible on the Tampa radar. It is 246 miles south southwest of Tallahassee.

The NHC has consistently predicted a bit of a left turn that looks like it may be happening now.

The Hurricane Hunters are finding widespread 75-90 knot flight level sustained winds in the eastern semicircle, a long way from the center. They inbound for a penetration now.

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