How could Hurricane Helene impact MD? The storm’s expected path, more

Hurricane Helene, now a Category 1 storm, is racing toward the U.S. Gulf Coast.

But will it hit Maryland’s Eastern Shore? Here’s everything we know about Hurricane Helene’s predicted path, and whether the storm will hit Ocean City and Salisbury.

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Where is Hurricane Helene now?

The southeastern state of Florida is first on the list for Hurricane Helene. Florida will soon be dealing with a life-threatening storm surge as Helene is expected to make landfall Thursday night as a devastating Category 4 hurricane.

“The forecast for Helene to strengthen from a potential tropical cyclone to a Category 3 hurricane appears to be the fastest development the National Hurricane Center has ever predicted for a depression,” USA Today reported.

Hurricane Helene’s path will have a major impact on the Southeast. The hurricane is expected to move across Florida before hitting Georgia and Tennessee, while also hitting states like Alabama, Kentucky, the Carolinas and more.

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What is a storm surge?

According to the National Weather Service, storm surge is an abnormal rise in seawater generated by a storm. Potential hazards include high winds, coastal flooding, inland flooding, flash flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes.

According to the National Weather Service, all locations along the U.S. East Coast and the Gulf Coast are vulnerable to storm surges, which can travel far inland from the shoreline, destroying buildings and beaches along the way.

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Will Maryland Be Hit by Hurricane Helene?

Helene’s Great Wind Field — What has now been accomplished means that the effects will be felt far from the storm, and states like Maryland are not exempt from its wrath. According to The Weather Channel, Ocean City and Salisbury can expect showers and strong winds to increase later this week, ending around Wednesday, October 2.

As of Wednesday, the National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning for Delaware beaches. In addition, The Weather Channel has issued beach hazard warnings in Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia. A small craft warning is also in effect for coastal waters from Fenwick Island, Delaware, to Chincoteague, Virginia.

Delmarva Now continues to share updates as Hurricane Helene makes landfall.

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Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her for tips and story ideas at [email protected].