Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – As of the 7:00am update from the National Hurricane Center Hurricane Helene has picked up forward speed and power. Helene is now moving on a North/Northeast track at 12 MPH and has sustained winds of 100 MPH. The forecast track has remained the same for several days. 

The storm could build into a Category 4 Hurricane but is likely to make landfall this evening as a Category 3 Hurricane. The wind speeds could reach over 130 miles per hour. The eye of the storm is expected to cross over land in the Apalachicola area of Florida. Popular towns in that area include Port St Joe, Cape Sand Blas and Mexico Beach.

Thousands of Florida residents have already evacuated the "Big Bend" area and many are taking refuge in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Communities. Local marinas are reporting an abundance of boat slip rentals and lodging companies are offering evacuees reduced rates during the storm.

Due to the low elevation of the Apalachicola area, the storm surge is a major concern for personal safety. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee even stated the surge could be “catastrophic and/or potentially unsurvivable” in its storm update on Wednesday.

Local businesses and government are providing a comforting atmosphere to evacuees. They also encourage all residents to remember how important our support is during a time of need. Almost every Alabama coastal resident has been through a similar situation in the past.

Local power companies and charitable organizations have staged their workers just outside the Hurricane Helene wind cone. If you would like to assist those in need after the storm, please remember those organizations who have assisted in each recovery:

• Red Cross Disaster Relief
• Salvation Army Disaster Relief
• BASS Pro Shops

The Orange Beach Area is currently under a:

• Rip Current Statement 
• High Surf Warning 
• Costal Flood Advisory
• Wind Advisory 

The forecast for the Orange Beach Area calls for a 50% chance of rain today, clearing out overnight with lots of sunshine and moderate temperatures through the weekend.