The Disaster Center's Hurricane Helene Page
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1. State
2. Local Governments and Sheriff's Offices
3. Local EM
4. Evacuation and Evacuees
5. Shelters
6. Federal
7. International
8. Preparedness
9. Tracking
10. Flooding
11. Shoreline
12. Satellite and Radar
13. Environmental
14. Health Affects
15. Damage Assessment
16. Discussion Board: questions, suggestions, and reports.
17. Year 2006 Hurricane Helene Diary
Tropical Depresssion Eight -- Tropical Storm Helene -- Hurricane Helene
Link to water vapor loop -- Large file
WindMariner'sWater vapor Gulf of MexicoWind SpeedWarnings andPuerto Rico
September 24, 2006 -- Helene becomes extratropical
Satellite images and other data indicate that Helene has lost its tropical characteristics and it is now an extratropical cyclone.
At 1100 AM AST (1500z) the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 40.9 north - longitude 37.5 west or about 595 miles (955 km) west-northwest of the Azores. Helene is moving toward the northeast near 21 mph (33 km/hr) and this general motion is expected to continue with a decrease in forward speed. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph (110 km/hr) with higher gusts. Slow weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 430 miles (695 km) from the center. Although the center of the system is expected to pass well to the north of the Azores as an extratropical low, gale force winds could impact portions of the Azores later today or tonight. Estimated minimum central pressure is (970 mb) 28.64 inches.
This is the last public advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center on Helene.
For previous reports see our Year 2006 Hurricane Helene Diary
High Seas Forecast For Metarea IV -- North Atlantic North Of 31N To 67N And West Of 35W.

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Current Weather Watches                                 Watch, Warning and Advisory Display
Current Weather Watches map                           Watch, Warning and Advisory Display Map

Today's National
Forecast                            Current  Weather              National Weather Warnings

NOAA Current Watches/Warnings        Current Weather map          National Weather Warnings Map
Day 1 Forecast  Precipitation                                Day 2 Forecast Precipitation

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The Rothstein Catalogue!


States
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
North Carolina Division of Emergency Management
South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Division
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
Delaware Emergency Management Agency
Texas Emergency Management Agency
Texas Emergency Management Situation Reports
Texas Weather Cameras
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
Mississippi Forestry Commission -- Situation Reports
Arkansas Department of Emergency Management
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
Georgia Office of Homeland Security - GEMA
Arkansas Department of Emergency Management
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
VAEmergency.com Responding to Katrina
Traffic
Massachusetts Traffic Information
Alabama: Traffic Information Line: 1-800-843-0699
Florida: Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557
Louisiana: Traffic Information Line: 1-800-256-7036
Mississippi: Traffic Information Line: 1-800-222-6362
Texas: Highway Conditions Information: 1-800-452-9292
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Local Governments and Sheriff's Offices
Florida Division of Emergency Management

Local Emergency Management Offices


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Evacuation
FEMA tele-registration – 800.621.3362  (For Individuals)
www.fema.gov
Red Cross call center  - (Clothing, Food & Shelter & Contractors)2-1-1 or 888.317.4567
(in Texas only) or  800 HelpNow or 800 Get-Info (nationwide)
Salvation Army – 800 SAL-ARMY (800.725.2769)
FIND LOVED ONES
 American Red Cross         877.568.3317
www.familylinks.icrc.org or www.redcross.org
Find Family National Call Center           866.326.9393
Lost Children:      Children’s Assessment Center  713.986.3300

Google has a name based search engine that accesses databases of evacuees.
MCI's Registration service of evacuees.
Evacuees register themselves by calling  1-877-HELP-KAT (1-877-435-7528) Locate someone who is missing by calling 1-866-601-FIND (1-866-601-3463).
Scipionus.com - Information Locator Map -- Click on the map to find information posting related to a specific area
Search and Rescue, U.S. Coast Guard Requests for rescues of missing or stranded persons will be entered into the system, viewed by command center and prioritized as received.
National Next of Kin Registry
Salvation Army's Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) ActivatedSend an online request to locate missing family and friends. If you can't connect to the site immediately, please try again.
Red Cross Alert for Persons with Emergency Medical ConditionsThe Red Cross is only accepting phone calls to search for missing persons in these emergency circumstances: insulin dependant diabetics, oxygen dependant, dialysis patient, blind, recent heart attack or stroke victims, mobility challenged, broken leg, foot or ankle, or paralyzed.
National Next Of Kin Registry International Emergency Contact System
Missing Persons Board
Wal-Mart's Hurricane Katrina Message Board


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September 15, 2006, at 12:10 p.m. local time (16:10 UTC). Click here to view high-resolution version (3.07MB)
September 15, 2006, at 12:10 p.m. local time (16:10 UTC).
Federal
Whitehouse -- Katrina In Focus
National Hurricane Center
FEMA
FEMA - Press
FEMA Emergency Managers Reports
FEMA - Photo Library
National Park Service  - Morning Report
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Hurricane Katrina Response; Environmental Protection Agency
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HHS - Disasters and Emergencies: Hurricane Katrina
SAMHSA's Disaster Mental Health Resource Kit  1-800-789-2647 for bilingual information services (1-866-889-2647: TDD) Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
National Incident Management Situation Report by NICC -- PFD
Dept. of Transportation -- Highway Information For Areas Affected By Hurricane Katrina - US ...
US Army Corps of Engineers - Katrina Response
US Coast Guard - Storm Watch
Navy Environmental Health Center --Medical Force Protection for Hurricane Katrina Relief  Situation Reports
Hurricane Katrina's Impact on U.S. Energy
Office of Energy Assurance: Hurricane Katrina Situation Reports
Advisory Situation Reports from The HSUS Disaster Center
Disaster Contractors Network Situation Reports
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International
Assessing progress towards disaster risk reduction within the context of the Hyogo Framework
Reliefweb International
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency
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Recovering From and Coping With Flood Damaged Property after Returning Home
The Disaster Assistance Process for Individuals

Preparedness
A FEMA Guide to Hurricane Preparedness
US Fire Administration -- Hurricane and Tornado Fire Safety Factsheet HSUS and FEMA --
FEMA Agaist the Wind: Protecting Your Home from Hurricane and Wind Damage -- PDF
FEMA After a Flood: The First Steps
Standard Family Disaster Plan. 
Why Talk About Hurricanes?
Community Hurricane Preparedness. 
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Animals
Animals and Emergencies
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Tracking
Hurricane Tracking Chart 
Color Hurricane Tracking Chart 
Map Hurricane Risk in United States 
The Hurricane FAQ
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Mitigation
Hurricane Damage to Residential Structures: Risk and Mitigation
Designing for wind speed map 
The Saffir-Simpson Scale  Insurance Q and A 
Education Hurricanes - CotF
If you have any Questions, Comments or suggestions please send an email to:
Host@disastercenter.com
Google
 
Flooding
Massachusetts Real-Time Water Data
Arkansas Real-Time Water Data
Florida Real-Time Water Data 
Louisiana Real-Time Water Data
Texas Real-Time Water Data
Make an Online Hazard Map for Your Location
National Data Buoy Center
NOS WATER LEVEL OBSERVATION NETWORK
NWS River Forecast Information
NWS Flash Flood Guidance
NWS Significant River Flood Outlook USGS Current Water Resources Conditions
nowCOAST: GIS Mapping Portal to Real-Time Environmental Observations and NOAA Forecasts
National Flood Insurance Program
National Weather Service Precipitation Analysis
National Weather Service (NWS) River Forecast Centers
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Satellites and Radar
NOAA GOES Satellite Imagery for Tropical Sectors
NOAA Multi-Dimensional Imagery from Polar Orbiting and Geostationary Satellites
Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Monterey Marine Meteorology Division Tropical Cyclone Information
NASA MODIS Rapid Response System
NWS National Doppler Radar Sites  
NASA - Latest Hurricane News
NASA - Multimedia Features
NASA - Hurricane Resource Reel
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Track Analysis/Best Track
National Hurricane Center/Tropical Predictions Center Archive of Past Hurricane Seasons
Historical Hurricane Tracks
Continental US Landfall of Hurricanes 1950 - 2004
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Shoreline Change
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Coastal and Marine Geology Program Internet Map Server
USGS Hurricane and Extreme Storm Impact Studies
USGS Mapping Coastal Change Hazards
NOAA Coastal Services Center Topographic Data
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Environmental Affects
NOAA Office of Response and Restoration
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Health Affects
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports
For the CDC index on hurricane information (including fact sheets in English and other languages), please see: 
CDC"s Hurricane Index
For CDC information specific to healthcare professionals
Hurricane-Related Documents and Resources Recently Released or Updated
Drive Safely
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/pdf/flyer-drive-safely.pdf
Returning Home After a Hurricane: Be Healthy and Safe
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/returnhome.asp
Cleaning and Sanitizing With Bleach after an Emergency
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/bleach.asp
Varicella Info from NIP
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/varicella/
Addition of Safe Water Tips to Announcer Read PSAs
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/psa_announcerreads.asp#rita
Disposal of Contaminated Medical Devices – FDA site
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/emergency/disposal.html
Contact Information for Questions about Clinical Investigations Affected by Hurricane Katrina – FDA site
http://www.fda.gov/cder/emergency/clin_invest.htm  
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After Hurricane Katrina --- Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, August--September 2005 – MMWR Article
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm54e930a1.htm
 
The following documents have been recently UPDATED:
Effects of Hurricane Katrina on Children's Blood Lead Levels
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/katrina/leadkatrina.asp

Translations for the following documents are now available: (return to top of page)


Damage Assessment and Post-Storm Impact Data

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Other sites

The Hurricane Watch Net
HurricaneTrack.com
Caribbean Hurricane Network
Hurricane Strike! Hurricane Science & Safety For Students
DURING A HURRICANE WATCH
(A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.)
1. Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
2. Check emergency supply kit.
3. Fuel car.
4. Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
5. Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
6. Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
7. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.
8. Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home. 9. Review evacuation plan.
10. Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tiedowns to anchor trailer to the ground or house.
Source: floridadisaster.org/      Florida's Division of Emergency Management
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Year 2006 Hurricane Helene Diary
September 24, 2006 -- Helene continues east-northeastward, it could spread gales over the Azores tonight
At 500 AM AST (0900Z) the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 39.9 north - longitude 39.9 west or about 705 miles ( 1135 km) west-northwest of the Azores. Helene is moving toward the east-northeast near 23 mph  (37 km/hr). Some decrease in forward speed is expected over the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph (140 km/hr) with higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours, and Helene is expected to lose tropical characteristics later today. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 90 miles (150 km) from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 375 miles (600 km). Although the center of Helene is expected to pass well to the north of the Azores as an extratropical low, gale force winds could impact portions of the Azores by tonight. Estimated minimum central pressure is (973 mb) 28.73 inches.
September 23, 2006-- Helene stubbornly holds on to tropical characteristics
At 1100 PM AST (0300Z) the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 39.1 north - longitude 41.7 west or about 795 miles (1285 km) west of the Azores. Helene is moving toward the east-northeast near 23 mph (37 km/hr) and this motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours. Even though the center of Helene, as a non-tropical system, is forecast to pass north of the Azores, gale force winds could impact portions of the Azores beginning tomorrow. Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph (140 km/hr) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours as Helene loses tropical characteristics. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 90 miles (150 km) from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 375 miles (600 km). Estimated minimum central pressure is (973 mb) 28.73 inches.
September 23, 2006 -- Helene remains a hurricane
At 500 PM AST (2100Z) the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 38.0 north - longitude 44.4 west or about 945 miles (1520 km) west of the Azores. Helene is moving toward the east-northeast near 22 mph (35 km/hr)  and this motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours. Even though the center of Helene, as a non-tropical system, is forecast to pass north of the Azores, gale force winds could impact portions of the Azores beginning tomorrow. Maximum sustained winds are near 90 mph (150 km/hr) with higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours as Helene gradually loses tropical characteristics. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 130 miles (215 km) from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 345 miles (555 km). Estimated minimum central pressure is (970 mb) 28.64 inches.
September 23, 2006 -- Helene maintaining hurricane strength over the north Atlantic
At 1100 AM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 37.7 north - longitude 46.4 west or about 1055 miles west of the Azores. Helene is moving toward the east-northeast near 22 mph and this motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 90 mph with higher gusts. Slow weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours as Helene gradually loses tropical characteristics. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 130 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 345 miles...555 km. Estimated minimum central pressure is (970 mb) 28.64 inches.
September 23, 2006 -- Helene accelerating east-northeastward over the open central north Atlantic
At 500 AM AST the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 37.2 north - longitude 48.2 west or about 1160 miles west of the Azores. Helene is moving toward the east-northeast near 25 mph and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph with higher gusts. Some fluctuations in strength are possible during the next 24 hours as Helene gradually loses tropical characteristics over the cooler waters of the north Atlantic. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 345 miles  from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is (982 mb) 29.00 inches.
September 22, 2006 -- Helene gradually losing tropical characteristics, weakens to a tropical storm
At 1100 PM AST the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 36.0 north - longitude 50.6 west or about 850 miles east-northeast of Bermuda and about 1305 miles west of the Azores. Helene is moving toward the east-northeast near 23 mph and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph, with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours, but Helene is expected to gradually lose tropical characteristics. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 345 miles from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is (982 mb) 29.00 inches.
September 22, 2006 -- Helene weakens but remains a hurricane
At 500 PM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 35.4 north - longitude 53.0 west or about 710 miles east-northeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the northeast near 21 mph and a gradual turn toward the east-northeast with an increase in speed is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph, with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours, but Helene is expected to gradually lose its tropical characteristics over the next day or so. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 50 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (980 mb) 28.94 inches.
September 22, 2006 -- Helene accelerating northeastward over the open waters of the central north Atlantic
At 1100 AM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 34.4 north - longitude 54.2 west or about 630 miles east-northeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the northeast near 21 mph and a gradual increase in forward speed is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph, with higher gusts. Gradual weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 50 miles  the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (970 mb) 28.64 inches.
 Helene moving northeastward over the open central Atlantic
September 22, 2006 -- At 500 AM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 32.9 north - longitude 55.2 west or about 560 miles east of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the northeast near 15 mph and this motion, with a gradual increase in forward speed, is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph with higher gusts. Helene is a category one hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is (970 mb) 28.64 inches.
September 21, 2006 -- Helene slightly stronger moving north-northeast over the central Atlantic
At 1100 PM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 31.8 north - longitude 56.3 west or about 500 miles east of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the north-northeast near 14 mph and a motion toward the north-northeast or northeast, with an increase in forward speed is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph, with higher gusts. Helene is a category one hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (970 mb) 28.64 inches.
September 21,2006 -- Helene moving northward over the central Atlantic
At 500 PM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 30.7 north - longitude 56.8 west or about 485 miles east of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the north near 14 mph and a turn toward the north-northeast or northeast, with an increase in forward speed...is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 80 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (972 mb) 28.70 inches. Although Helene will be passing several hundred miles to the east of Bermuda tonight, large ocean swells producing hazardous surf conditions could affect the area during the next couple of days.
Helene weakens over the central Atlantic, no threat to land
September 21, 2006 -- At 1100 AM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 29.6 north - longitude 56.9 west or about 505 miles east-southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the north near 13 mph and a gradual turn toward the north-northeast or northeast...with an increase in forward speed...is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 80 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (970 mb) 28.64 inches. Although Helene is expected to pass several hundred miles to the east of Bermuda, large ocean swells producing hazardous surf conditions could affect the area during the next couple of days.
September 21, 2006 --  Helene weakens slightly over the central Atlantic
At 500 AM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 28.4 north - longitude 56.8 west or about 550 miles east-southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the north near 13 mph. A gradual turn toward the north-northeast or northeast...with an increase in forward speed...is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 90 mph with higher gusts. Slight strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is (964 mb) 28.47 inches. Although Helene is expected to pass several hundred miles to the east of Bermuda, large ocean swells producing hazardous surf conditions could affect the area later today and on Friday.
September 20, 2006 -- Helene turns northward over the open central Atlantic
At 1100 PM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 27.1 north - longitude 57.0 west or about 590 miles southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the north near 9 mph. A gradual turn toward the north-northeast and an increase in forward speed are expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 100 mph with higher gusts. Slight strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (961 mb) 28.38 inches.
September 20, 2006 -- Helene making northward turn over the central Atlantic
At 500 PM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 26.6 north - longitude 57.1 west or about 610 miles southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph and a gradual turn toward the north is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph, with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 105 miles from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (960 mb) 28.35 inches.
September 20, 2006 -- Helene weakens slightly over the central Atlantic
At 1100 AM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 26.0 north - longitude 56.3 west or about 670 miles southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the northwest near 12 mph and a gradual turn toward the north is expected over the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph with higher gusts making Helene a category two hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (958 mb) 28.29 inches.
September 20, 2006 -- Helene moving northwestward and expected to remain well to the east of Bermuda
At 500 AM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 25.3 north - longitude 55.4 west or about 745 miles southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph. A gradual turn toward the north is expected during the next 24 hours, and Helene is forecast to remain well to the east of Bermuda. Maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph, with higher gusts. Slight strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours, and Helene could regain major hurricane status later today or Thursday. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is (958 mb) 28.29 inches.
September 19, 2006-- Helene churning westward over open waters, a turn to the northwest likely on Wednesday
At 1100 PM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 24.6 north - longitude 54.8 west or about 805 miles southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the west near 9 mph and a turn to the northwest is likely on Wednesday. Maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph with higher gusts. Helene could regain major hurricane status on Wednesday. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (958 mb) 28.29 inches.
September 19, 2006 -- At 500 PM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 24.6 north -  longitude 54.1 west or about 840 miles southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph and this motion is expected to continue for the next six to twelve hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 110 mph, with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 65 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 220 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (956 mb) 28.23 inches
September 19, 2006 -- Helene still a large category three hurricane
At 1100 AM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 24.6 north - longitude 52.9 west or about 895 miles east-southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph and this motion is expected for the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (960 mb) .35 inches.
September 19, 2006 -- Helene still a large category three hurricane
At 500 AM AST the center of major Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 24.4 north...longitude 52.1 west or about 945 miles east-southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 8 mph  and a west to west-northwestward motion is expected for the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Helene remains a large hurricane. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (960 mb) 28.35 inches.
September 18, 2006 -- Large and powerful Hurricane Helene expected to remain out at sea
At 1100 PM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 24.2 north - longitude 51.4 west or about 990 miles east-southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 8 mph and this motion is expected to maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph with higher gusts. Conditions appear favorable for strengthening during the next 24 hours. Helene is a large hurricane. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (960 mb) 28.35 inches.
September 18, 2006 -- Helene remains large and powerful and is forecast to remain out to sea
At 500 PM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 23.9 north - longitude 51.1 west or about 870 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands and about 1015 miles east-southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph and this general motion is expected to continue through Tuesday. Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph with higher gusts. Helene remains a category three hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. No significant change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (960 mb) 28.35 inches.
September18, 2006-- Helene forecast to turn westward...expected to remain over open waters
At 1100 AM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 23.2 north - longitude 50.2 west or about 900 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands and about 1090 miles east-southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph. A gradual turn to the west is expected during the next day or so. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 125 mph, with higher gusts. No significant change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 50 miles from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (954 mb) 28.17 inches.
September 18, 2006 -- Helene a little stronger as it jogs north-northwestward
At 500 AM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 22.3 north - longitude 49.6 west or about 920 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands and about 1160 miles east-southeast of Bermuda. Helene is moving toward the north-northwest near 7 mph. A turn to the west-northwest is expected over the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph with higher gusts. Helene is a category three hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. Some additional strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 50 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (958 mb) 28.29 inches.
September 17, 2006 -- There is a slight probability that Helene could hit New England -- GFSx 500 mb Hght/SLP Plot Loop
September 17, 2006 -- Helene becomes the second major hurricane of the 2006 season
At 1100 PM AST the eye of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 21.6 north - longitude 49.4 west or about 920 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Helene is moving toward the northwest near 8 mph  this motion is expected to continue overnight with a gradual turn toward the west-northwest on Monday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 115 mph with higher gusts. Helene is a category three hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. Some further strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Helene is becoming a large tropical cyclone. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 50 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is (962 mb) 28.41 inches.
September 17, 2006 -- NOAA plane confirms that Helene is a strong category two hurricane
At 500 PM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 21.2 north - longitude 49.3 west or about 920 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Helene is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph. A gradual turn to the west-northwest is expected on Monday. Data from a NOAA plane indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. Minimum central pressure recently measured by a NOAA reconnaissance plane was (970 mb) 28.64 inches.
Helene strengthens and is forecast to remain over water
September 17, 2006 -- At 1100 AM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 20.5 north - longitude 49.0 west or about 935 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Helene is moving toward the northwest near 10 mph and this motion is expected to continue today with a gradual turn to the west-northwest on Monday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph, with higher gusts. Helene is a strong category two hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. Some additional strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (970 mb) 28.64 inches.
September 17, 2006-- Helene strengthens a little
At 500 AM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 20.0 north...longitude 48.2 west or about 980 miles  east of the northern Leeward Islands. Helene is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph. A motion between west-northwest and northwest is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is (979 mb) 28.91 inches.
September 16, 2006 -- Helene getting a little better organized over the open tropical Atlantic
At 1100 PM AST the center of Hurricane Helene was located near latitude 19.5 north - longitude 47.5 west or about 1025 miles  east of the northern Leeward Islands. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 10 mph. A motion between west-northwest and northwest is expected during the next 24 hours maximum sustained winds are near 80 mph, with higher gusts. Slow strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is (984 mb) 29.06 inches.
September 16, 2006 -- Helene not quite yet a hurricane
At 500 AM AST the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 17.9 north - longitude 44.7 west or about 1210 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 15 mph and this general motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph...110 km/hr...with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours, and Helene is expected to become a hurricane later today. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles  from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is (992 mb) 29.29 inches.
September 15, 2006 -- Helene still moving west-northwestward over the open tropical Atlantic Ocean
At 1100 PM AST the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 17.2 north - longitude 43.7 west or about 1195 miles east of the Leeward Islands. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 14 mph and this general motion should continue for the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph, with higher gusts. Some gradual strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours and Helene is expected to become a hurricane on Saturday. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles  from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is (992 mb) 29.29 inches.
September 15, 2006 -- Helene nearing hurricane strength poses no threat to land
At 500 PM AST the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 16.7 north - longitude 42.8 west or about 1255 miles east of the leeward islands. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 15 mph  and this motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 70 mph with higher gusts. Helene could become a hurricane tonight or Saturday. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles  from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is (992 mb) 29.29 inches.
September 15, 2006 -- Helene is a little stronger and is forecast to remain out to sea
At 1100 AM AST the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 15.8 north - longitude 41.4 west or about 1355 miles east of the Leeward Islands. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph and this motion is expected to continue during the next day or two. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours and Helene could become a hurricane on Saturday. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles  from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is (1000 mb) 29.53 inches.
September 15, 2006 -- Helene still not yet strengthening
At 500 AM AST the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 15.0 north - longitude 40.3 west or about 1060 miles west of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 15 mph. A continued motion toward the west-northwest with a gradual decrease in forward speed is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles  from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is (1003 mb) 29.62 inches.
September 14, 2006-- Helene continuing west-northwestward over the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean
At 1100 PM AST the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 14.5 north - longitude 38.9 west or about 970 miles west of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 15 mph and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Slow strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles  from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is (1003 mb) 29.62 inches.

Septembe 14, 2006 -- Helene is moving slower and remains far from land
At 500 PM AST the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 14.2 north - longitude 37.6 west or about 885 miles west of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 16 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles  from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is (1003 mb) 29.62 inches.
September 14,2006 -- Helene strengthening slowly over the far eastern Atlantic
At 1100 AM AST the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 13.4 north - longitude 36.8 west or about 835 miles west of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. Helene is moving toward the west near 20 mph a turn to the west-northwest is expected in the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph, with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 85 miles  from the center.
September 14, 2006 -- Helene racing westward with no change in strength
At 500 AM AST the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 13.7 north - longitude 34.7 west or about 695 miles west of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. Helene is moving toward the west near 22 mph. A gradual turn toward the west-northwest is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 85 miles to the north from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is (1005 mb) 29.68 inches.
September 13, 2006 -- Tropical depression intensifies into Tropical Storm Helene
At 1100 PM AST the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 13.3 north - longitude 32.7 west or about 565 miles west of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. Tropical Storm Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 22 mph and this motion is expected to continue over the next day. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph, with higher gusts. Continued strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 70 miles  from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is (1005 mb) 29.68 inches.
September 13, 2006 -- Tropical Depression Eight slowly becoming better organized
At 500 PM AST the center of Tropical Depression Eight was located near latitude 12.7 north - longitude 30.7 west or about 445 miles west-southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. The depression is moving toward the west near 18 mph  and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours with some increase in forward speed. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours, and the depression could become a tropical storm tonight or Thursday. Estimated minimum central pressure is (1007 mb) 29.74 inches.
September 13, 2006 -- Tropical depression moving westward with little change in organization
At 1100 AM EDT the broad center of tropical depression eight was located near latitude 12.0 north - longitude 28.5 west or about 335 miles southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. The depression is moving toward the west near 17 mph. This general motion should continue for the next 24 hours with a gradual increase in forward speed. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Slow strengthening is expected and the depression could become a tropical storm during the next 24 hours. Estimated minimum central pressure is (1007 mb) 29.74 inches.
September 13, 2006 -- Depression remains poorly organized over the far eastern Atlantic
At 500 AM EDT the center of Tropical Depression Eight was located near latitude 11.9 north - longitude 26.7 west or about 255 miles southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. The depression is moving toward the west near 16 mph and this motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours with a gradual increase in forward speed. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Some slow strengthening is forecast and the depression could become a tropical storm within the next 24 hours. Estimated minimum central pressure is (1007 mb) 29.74 inches.
September 12, 2006 -- Depression passing south of the Cape Verde Islands
At 1100 PM EDT the large circulation of Tropical Depression Eight is estimated to be centered near latitude 11.8 north...longitude 25.3 west or about 215 miles south-southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. The depression is moving toward the west near 15 mph and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours with some increase in forward speed. Maximum sustained winds remain near 35 mph with higher gusts. The depression could become a tropical storm on Wednesday. The estimated minimum central pressure is (1007 mb) 29.74 inches.
September 12, 2006 -- Depression nearing storm strength
Satellite images and ship reports indicate that the tropical depression over the far eastern Atlantic is gradually intensifying.
At 500 PM EDT. the center of tropical depression eight was located near latitude 12.0 north - longitude 23.9 west or about 195 miles south of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands. The depression is moving toward the west near 15 mph and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 35 mph with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours, and the depression could become a tropical storm tonight or early Wednesday. Estimated minimum central pressure is (1007 mb) 29.74 inches.
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    Helene Tracking Map
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    For our Year 2000 Hurricane Helene Diary

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    The Disaster Center will be providing coverage of Helene on this page.

    The name Hurricane Helene was first used in 1958

    In 1958 Hurricane Helene was active from the 21st of September - 4th of October .  The Storms maximum winds: 115 Knots with a minimum pressure of: 934.  Helene was a Category 4 hurricane that formed in the Atlantic north of the Antilles and made a run for the coast of South and North Carolina where it turned 90 degrees and then died in the Atlantic. Property damage  in North Carolina was approximately $11,000,000.

    In 1988 Hurricane Helene was active from the 19th - 30th of September.  The Storms maximum winds: 125 Knots with a minimum pressure of: 938.  Helene was a Category 4 hurricane that formed in the Atlantic and did not reach land.