Hurricane Helene expected to erode and overwash Florida’s west coast beaches

Updated: Sep 25, 2024 / 02:23 PM CDT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The U.S. Geological Survey experts projected that Hurricane Helene will bring significant coastal change to Florida’s west coast.

According to a USGS coastal change forecast, 94% of the beaches on Florida’s west coast are expected to become continuously covered by water from Hurricane Helene.

This can cause flooding behind sand dunes and impact coastal communities, making this the most severe level of coastal change.

Helene’s waves and surge are estimated to have the potential to cause 100% of all ocean-facing beaches on the Florida west coast to experience erosion and overwash, according to USGS experts.

“The coastal change forecast for Helene’s impact to the Florida west coast is significant because Helene is predicted to be a large and powerful storm with high waves and storm surge, even if it stays offshore,” said Kara Doran, a USGS supervisory physical scientist.

Overwash happens when water levels reach higher than the top of the dunes making the sand push inland causing changes to the environment and blocking roadways.

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When overwash occurs, it can reduce the height of the sand dunes, alter beach profiles, and leave the dunes at risk for future storms.

“With Florida’s low elevation and this significant forecast, we might see more flooding immediately behind dunes and into beachside communities,” Doran said.

Hurricane Helene dangers the Florida coastline more than any previous storm in the 2024 hurricane season.