651
WTUS82 KTAE 271545
HLSTAE
ALZ065>069-FLZ007>019-026>029-034-108-112-114-115-118-127-128-134-GAZ120>131-142>148-155>161-272345-

Tropical Storm Helene Local Statement Advisory Number 17
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL  AL092024
1145 AM EDT Fri Sep 27 2024 /1045 AM CDT Fri Sep 27 2024/

This product covers eastern Florida panhandle, Florida Big Bend, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia
**TROPICAL STORM HELENE CONTINUES TO MOVE FURTHER AWAY. RESIDUAL
COASTAL FLOODING AND OTHER BEACH HAZARDS COTINUE. **

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - All watches and warnings have been canceled

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 360 miles north-northeast of Panama City or about 380
      miles north of Apalachicola
    - 35.1N 83.8W
    - Storm Intensity 45 mph
    - Movement North or 350 degrees at 32 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

At 11 AM EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located about
100 miles northeast. It is now moving to the north/north- northwest at
32 mph. Conditions have improved this morning as Helene as moved out.
While tropical storm force winds are now out of our of the region,
breezy conditions still will stick around through the rest of the
morning and into early afternoon. Additionally, tides still are
running high and minor coastal flooding could stick around across the
Florida Panhandle and the northeast and eastern portions of the
Apalachee Bay through this afternoon and early evening.

Rainfall from Helene has ended, and new flash flooding is not
expected. Ongoing flooding may take awhile to subside. Minor to
moderate riverine flooding will emerge and continue for days to come.
Please do not drive through flooded roadways and stay out of flood
waters if at all possible. Flood waters may contain downed power
lines, dangerous wildlife, and other hazards.

The tornado threat has passed.

With widespread power outages across the region, please exercise
caution with cleanup efforts and use generators responsibly. Carbon
monoxide poisoning and/or death can result from generator misuse.
Please do not return to evacuated areas until cleared by local
officials to do so. First responders are working as hard as they can
to respond and restore services quickly and safely, and returning too
early may hinder their efforts.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS:

Minor coastal flooding will be continue along much of the coast today.
Large waves will be possible along the coast this afternoon.
Dangerouns rip currents are expected through at least Saturday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

If your home or shelter was damaged, be alert to the smell of gas
leaks and be cautious around electrical wiring, broken glass, jagged
metal and wood, and protruding nails and screws.

Do not attempt to return to evacuated areas until local authorities
have inspected roads and bridges and have given the all clear.
Hazards like downed power lines and trees, washed out roads,
continued flooding in low lying areas and non-functioning traffic
lights make travel difficult.

Do not go sightseeing within impacted communities. Sightseers
interfere with the emergency work of first responders.

When clearing out fallen trees, be careful with chainsaws and axes.
Always wear protective gear and keep others at a safe distance.
Leaning trees and those which have fallen on roofs or power lines can
be especially dangerous. If you are not in good health or unsure
about what you are doing, have someone with tree cutting experience
do the job. Never cut trees without a partner.

If using a generator, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by following
instructions provided by the manufacturer. Operate your generator in
a well-ventilated space outside of your living area and away from
open doors and windows.


* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

As it pertains to this event...this will be the last local statement
issued by the National Weather Service in Tallahassee FL regarding
the effects of tropical cyclone hazards upon the area.

$$