Hurricane Helene’s Approach Could Mean Concerning Weather in Alabama

After several days of monitoring, Hurricane Helene is set to approach land, moving northward today through the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

RELEASED AT 1:50 P.M. - The Weather Channel said that "Hurricane Helene has intensified into a CATEGORY 3 hurricane ahead of its Florida landfall."

Currently, Helene is a category two hurricane and is tracking north-northeast at 15 mph. Maximum sustained winds are 100 mph.

Then, Helene will swiftly progress inland, causing severe weather and issues in portions of Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.

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Alabama Weather Concerns

The National Weather Service in Birmingham said, “Rain will become widespread across eastern portions of the area throughout the day with winds increasing this evening. Most of the impacts from the wind/rain will be focused across the eastern half of the forecast area, where downed trees could result in power outages and heavy rainfall could result in significant flash flooding.”

James Spann, ABC 33/40, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Chief Meteorologist said, “There is no tornado risk for Alabama. The threat of tornadoes will be well to the east across parts of northern Florida into southeast Georgia, the Midlands and Low Country of South Carolina, and southern North Carolina.”

Townsquare Media Coverage Area - West Alabama Outlook

According to the National Weather Service in Birmingham, these are Helene's current weather impacts for West Alabama. If conditions or tracking changes change, the forecast could be affected. Townsquare Media serves the counties of Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Walker.

Maximum wind gusts between 31-32 mph through Friday at 7 p.m.

Maximum sustained winds between 16-22 mph through Friday at 7 p.m.

Potential Rainfall up to 1 inch through Friday at 7 p.m.

The Flood Watch and Tropical Wind Threat are east of our area.

We will keep tracking conditions in the West Alabama area and bring you the necessary updates. Mary K., Weather Forecaster.