Storm Approaching Tyndall, F-35 Aircraft Relocated to Evade Destruction

Revamped Tropics Update: Tyndall Air Force Base Faces Potential Hurricane Threat

Hang on tight, folks! Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida is gearing up for a possible hurricane this week as Tropical Storm Helene is expected to transform into a Category 3 monster, packing winds of 110 miles per hour. Forecasters predict this powerful storm to collide with the Florida Panhandle around Sept. 26.

The base has upped its alert level to Hurricane Condition Level 3, signaling that Helene poses a potential threat to Tyndall with destructive winds possible within the next 48 hours. However, as of now, no evacuation orders have been issued for base personnel. For those staying at the installation's "Fam Camp" campground, it's recommended to pack up and vacate as a preventive measure, as per the base's social media page.

Base officials are teaming up with Bay and Gulf Counties, as well as Bay District Schools, to stay on top of the situation. The 325th Fighter Wing personnel are expected to report during their regular duty hours on Sept. 25. Meanwhile, Tyndall's F-35s were evacuated to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, before the storm warnings hit, ensuring their safety until Tyndall's conditions improve.

Helene is projected to enter the Gulf of Mexico by Sept. 25, with its hard landing forecast for the Florida Panhandle by the evening of Sept. 26. Tallahassee, located about 90 miles east of Tyndall, finds itself smack dab in the middle of Helene's projected path, according to the National Hurricane Center. Tyndall and Panama City are in the storm's crosshairs and under a tropical storm warning.

Speaking of Tyndall, it welcomed its first F-35s last August — marking a transition from F-22 Raptor training, and setting its sights on becoming a key hub for the Lightning II. The 95th Fighter Squadron, tasked with the mission, was reactivated in June 2023 after a four-year hiatus following Hurricane Michael's devastation in 2018.

Despite being in the midst of years-long reconstruction and upgrades, the base highlights that Hurricane Helene and its current warnings won't derail progress. Apparently, the contracts account for weather-related delays, which have been factored into the schedule.

You might remember Hurricane Michael in 2018, which reduced Tyndall's hangars to rubble, caused extensive damage to several F-22 Raptors, and left much of the base unrecognizable — all leading to $5 billion in damage. This storm was later graded as a Category 5, making it the first to wreak havoc in the U.S. since Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

A Category 3 hurricane brings devastating damage, with well-built homes facing major structural damage. Expect widespread tree uprooting, blocked roads, and power and water outages that can last anywhere from several days to weeks. The northern part of the state will also see damaging winds and heavy flooding rains.

By Sept. 27, Helene's remnants are predicted to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to Alabama and Georgia. The storm is supposed to continue its trek northward through Tennessee and into the Midwest over the weekend.

Stay tuned for more updates as we monitor this stormy situation. Keep your fingers crossed for Tyndall and the surrounding areas!

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