As Hurricane Helene approaches the U.S., it’s crucial to recognize that the storm’s effects will be felt far beyond the National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) forecast cone. The cone shows where there’s a two-thirds chance of the storm’s center tracking, but it doesn’t encompass the full scope of Helene’s wind, rain, and storm surge threats. With Helene’s size and strength increasing, communities across the Southeast must prepare for widespread impacts well beyond the forecasted path.

Widespread Wind Damage Threat

Helene’s tropical storm-force wind field could stretch up to 200 miles from the storm’s center, affecting areas far from the predicted landfall zone. If the storm strikes the Big Bend region of Florida, its winds could sweep across much of the state, reaching as far south as central Florida. As Helene moves inland, it will maintain enough momentum to carry high winds into southern Georgia and beyond. The fast movement of the storm will push hurricane-force winds deep into Georgia and possibly South Carolina by Thursday night, causing widespread tree damage and power outages.

Severe Flooding Risks Across Multiple States

Flooding will also be a major concern beyond the storm’s projected path. The NHC has warned of a “predecessor” rain event set to bring heavy rainfall to parts of the southern Appalachian Mountains ahead of Helene’s arrival. This could trigger severe flooding in areas like western North Carolina, north Georgia, and upstate South Carolina—regions already prone to flooding. As Helene moves through, it could dump an additional foot of rain in some areas, exacerbating the flood threat across a wide stretch of the Southeast, from Tennessee to the Atlantic coast.

Storm Surge Threatens Coastal and Inland Areas

Along with the wind and rain, storm surge will be a significant threat, particularly on Florida’s west coast. Helene’s storm surge could reach up to 15 feet in Florida’s Big Bend area, and up to 8 feet in regions like Tampa Bay. Even areas outside the forecast cone will not be spared from the storm surge, as water levels are expected to rise along the entire west coast of Florida. The highest surge will be concentrated to the east of the storm’s landfall location, but significant water rise is expected even far outside the forecast area.

Helene’s Far-Reaching Impact

Hurricane Helene is a clear example of why hurricanes are not just coastal events. With its enormous wind field and fast movement, Helene will bring damaging winds, flooding, and storm surge across much of the southeastern U.S., well beyond the forecasted landfall zone. Residents in the region must stay vigilant, as the impacts of the storm could be felt hundreds of miles from its center.

Preparing for the Worst

The NHC’s forecast cone might show the storm’s path, but Helene’s size ensures that its effects will be widespread. Communities across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas should take action now to prepare for the high winds, flooding, and storm surge that will follow in Helene’s wake.