Jim Cantore, the well-known meteorologist, was spotted in Pasco County, Florida, on Wednesday morning, signaling the approach of Hurricane Helene. According to The Weather Channel, Cantore has arrived ahead of the storm, which is projected to strengthen into a significant hurricane before making landfall along the Gulf Coast of Florida.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Cantore, alongside other meteorologists from The Weather Channel, was sent to Florida’s West Coast to report on the tropical system. A Facebook group named “Tracking Jim Cantore” shared an update early Wednesday, indicating Cantore’s presence in Hudson, Florida. One group member, April Scott, expressed excitement over the chance to meet Cantore in the small town.
Currently, Cantore is believed to be in Pasco County, specifically stationed in Port Richey, with reports of him being seen in nearby Hudson.
As for Hurricane Helene, the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center states the storm is expected to reach hurricane status on Wednesday and will rapidly gain strength to become a major hurricane by Thursday before making landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The initial rain bands from Helene are likely to reach the area late Wednesday and may bring severe weather conditions. As the storm moves parallel to the Tampa Bay region on Thursday, residents could experience storm surge later in the day. Wind patterns are expected to shift from the southwest on Friday as the system exits the area, with flooding and surge remaining significant concerns until conditions normalize by Saturday.