A tornado watch has been issued for 17 million people in Florida until 8 p.m. ET due to the effects of Helene. This watch encompasses major cities such as Tampa, Miami, Fort Myers, and Orlando, putting a significant population at risk.
The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the threat posed by Helene's large size and fast forward speed, indicating a broad region extending from Florida and Georgia into the Carolinas that may experience tornado activity. The center warns that as Helene's rain bands move across the Florida Peninsula during the day, other outer bands could potentially affect parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and eventually North Carolina by tonight.
As the day progresses, additional tornado watches may be issued for portions of Georgia and South Carolina as the threat of tornadoes advances northward. Notably, a tornado was already observed in South Carolina on Thursday morning, underscoring the real and immediate danger posed by Helene's impact.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions, heed any warnings or alerts issued by local authorities, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during this period of heightened tornado risk.
