CNN reports that Hurricane Helene is currently a Category 2 hurricane, but it is intensifying as it tracks north toward the Florida Panhandle. Time for citizens to prepare and evacuate is running out. The storm is currently located about 350 miles southwest of Tampa and is moving to the NNE at approximately 12 MPH.
Helene is expected to continue strengthening to a Category 3 hurricane (or higher) during the next 24 hours, with increasing forward speed and an expected landfall along the Big Bend of Florida later this evening.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center (“NHC”), the storm is predicted to produce a “catastrophic and deadly storm surge” as high as 20 feet above ground level along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast.
According to the NHC’s 6:00 AM (MDT) advisory, Hurricane Helene had sustained winds of 100 MPH. NHC updates may be viewed HERE.
A CNN map shows the projected course of the storm:
FGGAM continues to pray for the protection of all of those who are in the path of Hurricane Helene. Let’s also lift up all of the first responders (e.g., law enforcement, utility workers) who almost certainly will be called upon to put themselves into harm’s way to perform rescues, clear streets and waterways, and to restore power, water and other utilities.
The bible tells us not to be anxious, but to pray with thanksgiving in our hearts, trusting that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus:
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The bible also reminds us that God is our refuge and fortress, and that angels are given charge over us when we place our faith in the Lord and seek His presence:
Psalm 91:1-2 and 9-11 (NKJV)
Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High [s]hall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; [m]y God, in Him I will trust.’ … Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, [e]ven the Most High, your dwelling place, [n]o evil shall befall you, [n]or shall any plague come near your dwelling; [f]or He shall give His angels charge over you, [t]o keep you in all your ways.”