Storm Alert – October 1, 2024 – Post Tropical Storm Helene

Five days after Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida, fuel market conditions remain challenged in markets throughout the Southeast. Power outages have fallen by over half from their peak, but over a million customers across Georgia and the Carolinas are still without power. In Florida, fuel truck drivers are still reporting 3-5 hour lines at the rack in some areas, slowing down the supply chain and bogging down carrier capacity.

Fuel market conditions are generally unchanged from yesterday. Although many areas have improved, five markets continue to present challenges for refueling. North Augusta remains on Code Orange, with Mansfield requesting 48-hr notice for new deliveries. The following markets remain on Code Red, requesting 72-hr lead times:

• Niceville, FL
• Panama City, FL
• Tampa, FL
• Orlando, FL

Future Storm Outlook 

Tropical weather forecasts continue to show heavy activity across the Caribbean and Atlantic. Tropical Storm Kirk is expected to turn northward in the coming days, away from a North American impact. Just behind Kirk, another system appears poised to develop into a tropical cyclone, with an 80% chance of reaching cyclone status in the next 48 hours. Closer to home, a subtropical system named “Disturbance 1” has a 40% chance of developing in the Caribbean over the next 7 days. That system will be closely monitored for potential impacts to the US Gulf Coast.