9:52pm BULLETIN: Hurricane Helene Update

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In his study of Hurricane Andrew, Dr. Ted Fujita found what he called "mini-swirls" in the eye of that hurricane. They were areas of swirling air, larger than a tornado, that had higher winds that the official wind speed of the eye. It is starting look like we have those now. 

Again, this is why people in the path must shelter like it is a tornado approaching rather than a hurricane, if the eyewall is boing to pass over or near you.

9:52p addition. The Tallahassee Dopppler just measured winds of 172 mph about 1,500 above the ground. Those extreme winds were ~5,000' a little while ago. I believe they are making their way to the ground and may produce gusts of that intensity.

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