Hurricane Helene’s Impact on the Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois Area [UPDATE]

Hurricane Helene made landfall yesterday along Florida's Big Bend Area as a Category 4 hurricane. According to weather.gov, "Winds 130-156 mph (113-136 kt or 209-251 km/hr). Catastrophic damage will occur." Some have already speculated that the damage will be more extensive than Hurricane Katrina and is considered catastrophic.

Folks along the Gulf geared up for a rough ride. Experts warned of 20-foot storm surges, and the National Weather Service urged residents to evacuate as that kind of surge is unsurvivable.

Storm surge is the abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm, measured as the height of the water above the normal predicted astronomical tide. The surge is caused primarily by a storm’s winds pushing water onshore. -NOAA 

 

CBS News reported that this morning, Helene was moving toward Central Georgia at about 30 mph, with winds gusting at around 70 mph. Over 4 million people are without power, and rescue teams are working hard to reach those trapped by floodwaters.

Helene is basically taking the same path every tri-state spring breaker navigates when we visit the Redneck Riveria. And she's headed our way. Here's what to expect.

**WIN A TRIP TO SEE TAYLOR SWIFT IN NEW OLREANS FROM KISS106**

UPDATE AT 9/27 at 7:50 AM: The National Weather Service is calling for prolonged heavy rain all day and through tonight. We can expect 2-4 inches in the tri-state area. Flooding is a possibility, especially where the rain totals are higher.

They are also calling for wind gusts up to 50 MPH at times today with gusts to 55 mph possible in the Evansville Tri-State and the I-64 corridor. The wind can also cause power outages and trees that are in flooded areas to fall.

**WIN UP TO $30,000 FROM KISS106**

Download our app and turn on breaking news notifications. 

Get our free mobile app

UPDATE 9/26 at 8 PM: The National Weather Service is warning that the wind gusts associated with this storm could be very dangerous. Residents are advised to secure any outdoor items that could be at risk of flying away or being damaged by winds and also be prepared for power outages.

Remnants of Tropical System Helene will cause windy conditions across our region Friday, with gusts of 40 to 45 mph possible. A Wind Advisory is in effect Friday into Friday evening.

Thursday, Sept 26, 2024 at 9 AM

Hurricane Helene is making landfall in the Gulf Coast, and folks in Florida and Alabama are gearing up for a rough ride. With a projected 20-foot storm surge, the National Weather Service is urging residents to evacuate. They’ve made it clear: that kind of surge is unsurvivable. It’s definitely a time to take those warnings seriously and prioritize safety!

As people head north to escape Hurricane Helene, the National Weather Service is warning that the storm could cause severe flooding even in states as far north as Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. It’s a stark reminder that this storm’s impact will be felt far beyond the coast. Everyone needs to stay informed and be prepared, no matter where they are!

According to the NWS, "Rain moving in later today becomes widespread tonight, continuing through Friday night. Rain chances continue Saturday and Sunday. Highs in the upper half of the 70s to near 80 today cool to near 70 Friday and Saturday. Rainfall totals have shifted slightly higher in the recent forecast update. Western Kentucky is likely to see 3-5 inches of rain, while areas further northwest are more likely to receive 2-4 inches. Most of this rainfall is expected to occur between tonight and Friday night. Some localized flooding issues are possible."

The National Weather Service in Louisville posted the below graphic to their social media page.

More from the NWS:

A chance of thunderstorms will spread westward across the Quad State this afternoon and evening and continue throughout the area overnight. In addition, showers with heavy rainfall will become widespread from east to west across the region after midnight. Locally heavy rainfall and lightning will be the primary concerns.

Friday through Wednesday

Prolonged heavy rain is expected Friday through Friday night before tapering off Saturday. 2 to 3 inches of rainfall is expected over the region, but localized areas of 4 to 5 inches cannot be ruled out. Some minor flooding issues will be possible, especially where 4 inches or more of rain falls.

North to northeast winds may gust 30 to 40 mph at times Friday afternoon and night over the Evansville Tri State, much of southern Illinois, and northern portions of southeast Missouri.

Get our free mobile app