COLUMBUS, Ohio — Hurricane Helene is now a Category 3 storm as of Thursday afternoon and is expected to rapidly develop and strengthen into a major Category 4 system before landfall in Florida late Thursday or early Friday morning. This storm will bring a large area of strong to damaging winds and heavy rain across the deep south, but it won't stop there.
Gusty winds and heavy rains are expected in Ohio by Friday, prompting the declaration of a Weather Impact Day for the region.
The combination of gusty winds and heavy rainfall is something we have not seen in central Ohio for several months. This combination will make for tough travel and outdoor events on Friday.
Forecast models show light rain early on Friday morning, then transitioning to heavy rain by Friday afternoon/evening. Models have been consistent at showing 0.50-1.25” of rain in the I-270 loop, with higher amounts across our southern counties. People who live in the northern half of the viewing area will see less rain.
Perhaps the biggest nuisance will be the strong winds. Gusts may exceed 40 mph at times on Friday, which will make travel difficult.
There may be some localized ponding on roadways for any storm drains that are not properly cleared.
We will continue to track leftover showers through Saturday and Sunday, however, the winds will be much weaker.