Hurricane Helene in NASA Video from the ISS: Live Updates and News

Hurricane Helene rapidly intensified as it approached the Gulf Coast, posing a severe threat to Florida and surrounding areas. This powerful storm made landfall as a catastrophic Category 4 hurricane at almost midnight local time on 26th September, bringing with it life-threatening conditions. According to the Associated Press, the storm’s center came ashore near the location where Hurricane Idalia landed in 2023, and, like Idalia, with 140mph (225km/h) winds.

Hurricane Helene: What’s Happening

As of 2 p.m. ET, Hurricane Helene has intensified into a Category 3 storm, located approximately 385 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida. The hurricane is moving north-northeast at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, prompting tornado watches across South Florida. Meteorologists expect Helene to continue strengthening as it traverses the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, potentially escalating to a catastrophic Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Thursday evening. The National Hurricane Center warns of life-threatening storm surges, with some areas along Florida’s Gulf Coast potentially facing surges up to 20 feet high.

Hurricane Helene approach Florida NASA video from the ISS

NASA astronauts onboard the International Space Station shared the view of the severe hurricane Helene as it seen from space.

“The International Space Station flew over Hurricane Helene at 2:25 p.m. EDT Thursday, 26 September 2024, as it approached the Gulf Coast of Florida packing winds in excess of 120 miles an hour,” the X posts says.

Look at the amount of lightning strikes in the eyewall of Hurricane Helene that is now Category 3 storm!

Map of the Hurricane’s Path

Warnings and Alerts

Hurricane warnings and tropical storm warnings are in effect for much of Florida’s southern coast. A storm surge warning has been issued for nearly the entire western coastline of Florida, with potentially “unsurvivable” storm surges of up to 20 feet in some areas. The National Hurricane Center has emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Preparations to safeguard life and property should be expedited”.

Regional Impact of the Hurricane Helene

Florida

Florida is bracing for a direct hit from Hurricane Helene. The storm is expected to make landfall in the Big Bend area late Thursday. 46th Governor of the great state of Florida Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 61 of Florida’s 67 counties, and mandatory evacuation orders are in place for several areas. Now, he’s having a livestream, updating ion the current status of the hurricane impact in the state. The Florida Panhandle, including Tallahassee, is in the center of the forecast path.

Mexico and Cuba

Before turning towards Florida, Helene has already impacted parts of Mexico and Cuba. The Yucatán Peninsula, including popular tourist destinations like Cancún and Cozumel, experienced heavy rain and strong winds on Wednesday. Western Cuba is also anticipating significant rainfall from the storm.

Other Affected Areas

The storm’s effects will extend beyond Florida. Parts of Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas are expected to experience strong winds and heavy rainfall as Helene moves inland. The remnants of the storm are forecast to continue northward through Tennessee and into the Midwest over the weekend.

Projected Impact

• Storm Surge: The NHC warns of a potentially catastrophic and unsurvivable storm surge for Apalachee Bay, with heights reaching up to 20 feet in some areas. This surge could begin as early as Wednesday night, ahead of the hurricane-force winds.
  
• Wind: Hurricane-force winds are expected to extend far inland, potentially reaching deep into Georgia. Tropical storm-force winds currently extend up to 345 miles from Helene’s center.
  
• Rainfall: Heavy rainfall is forecast across the southeastern U.S., with a high risk of flash flooding, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and parts of the Appalachians.
  
• Tornadoes: There is a risk of isolated tornadoes in western Florida, southern Alabama, and potentially expanding across Florida and into Georgia and South Carolina.

Safety Tips

• Follow evacuation orders from local officials
• Secure homes and businesses
• Stock up on essential supplies
• Have an emergency plan in place
• Stay informed through local news and weather updates

1. Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors
2. Close all interior doors and secure and brace external doors
3. Keep curtains and blinds closed
4. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level
5. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object if you feel your home is in danger of collapse

Stay tuned. We’ll see keep you updating on all the news, regarding the Hurricane Helene.