Hurricane Helene approaches Florida

The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings as Tropical Storm Helene, now a Category 1 hurricane, is expected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast Thursday. Residents are urged to finalize preparations as conditions deteriorate rapidly.

Forecasters predict “catastrophic” impacts, including a “deadly” surge of up to 20 feet in the Big Bend area and wind gusts reaching 130 mph. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 61 counties, with mandatory evacuations in effect for 26, affecting millions of residents.

Major cities like Tampa, Tallahassee and Gainesville could experience gusts over 70mph.

Widespread power outages and downed trees are likely as Helene is expected to move swiftly inland, potentially causing severe flooding across the Southeast, especially in the southern Appalachians, where up to 18 inches of rain could fall.