Storm Alert – September 26, 2024 – Hurricane Helene

Helene is rapidly intensifying and is expected to make landfall this evening as a Category 3 or stronger hurricane with winds of 115 mph on the eastern Florida Panhandle. Hurricane Helene poses catastrophic threats, including record storm surge, destructive winds, and heavy rainfall, which could lead to life-threatening flash flooding, tornadoes, and inland impacts extending into Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee through Friday.

As of now, Helene is located 320 miles southwest of Tampa with 100 mph winds, and large bands of rain have already reached Florida and the Southeast. Storm surge warnings are in effect along much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, with potential surge heights of 10 to 20 feet in some areas. Tropical storm-force winds are expected across much of Florida and inland regions, with downed trees and power outages likely.

Rainfall could cause catastrophic flooding in the southern Appalachians, with totals possibly reaching 18 inches. Through Friday, the threat of tornadoes exists in Florida, Georgia, and parts of the Carolinas.

Helene is the strongest U.S. hurricane this season, following three weaker storms. While Helene’s path avoids major oil and gas areas near Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, several offshore drilling platforms have evacuated, shutting in 29% of oil production in the Gulf of Mexico. Ports along the Gulf Coast, including Port Tampa Bay, are closed, affecting petroleum trade. Florida utilities are preparing for potential widespread power outages due to high winds, flooding, and storm surges.

Due to Hurricane Helene’s path and strengthening intensity, carriers in Florida are pulling off the roads due to unsafe wind speeds. The DOT requires trucks to be off the highways at 40 mph, and many fuel terminals will shut down at 50 mph.

Mansfield is moving Florida to Code Red, requesting 72 hours for new deliveries. Georgia and Alabama have been upgraded to Code Orange, requesting 48 hours for new deliveries. We will continue to monitor market conditions and keep customers alerted as the situation progresses.