Hurricane Helene will make a pass by Central Florida on its way to the Florida Big Bend on Thursday.
Impacts will range from gusty squalls along our east coast to some more impactful winds and rain for those located farther west.
Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph will develop along our east coast, with winds sustained up to 40 mph in Marion, Sumter and Lake counties. The worst winds will arrive as Helene passes to our west by Thursday evening. Some locations could see winds gust as high as 60 to 80 mph — especially in western Marion County.
Rain will pick up through Thursday evening and continue through the overnight hours. Rainfall should begin to quickly diminish as the drier southern side of Helene passes after midnight. A few residual showers are possible Friday morning, with a bit of sunshine by Friday afternoon.
Our Spectrum News 13 Weather Experts have broken down, by county, what to watch for.
Worst Weather: 6 p.m. Thursday - 4 a.m. Friday
Winds: 35-45 mph, gusts to 50-60 mph
Rainfall: 1-3 inches
)
Worst Weather: 6 p.m. Thursday - 4 a.m. Friday
Winds: 35-45 mph, gusts to 50-60 mph
Rainfall: 1-3 inches
)
Worst Weather: 5 p.m. Thursday - 2 a.m. Friday
Winds: 35-45 mph, gusts to 50-65 mph
Rainfall: 1-3 inches
)
Worst Weather: 6 p.m. Thursday - 2 a.m. Friday
Winds: 35-45 mph, gusts to 50-60 mph
Rainfall: 2-4 inches
)
Worst Weather 5 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday
Winds: 40-45 mph, gusts to 50-70 mph
Rainfall: 2-4 inches
)
Main impact: 5 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday
Winds: 35-45 mph, gusts to 50-60 mph
Rainfall: 2-4 inches
)
Worst Weather: 7 p.m. Thursday - 4 a.m. Friday
Winds: 25-35 mph, gusts to 40-50 mph
Rainfall: 2-4 inches
Storm surge: Less than 1 foot
)
Worst Weather: 6 p.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday
Winds: 35-40 mph, gusts to 45-55 mph
Rainfall: 1-3 inches
)
Worst Weather: 7 p.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday
Winds: 25-35 mph, gusts to 40-50 mph
Rainfall: 1-3 inches
Storm surge: Less than 1 foot
)
Worst Weather: 7 p.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday
Winds: 30-40 mph, gusts to 45-50 mph
Rainfall: 1-3 inches
Storm surge: Less than 1 foot
)
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