Helene Becomes a Hurricane as It Heads Toward the Florida Coast
Hurricane Helene has strengthened significantly and is barreling toward Florida's Gulf Coast. The storm, which formed in the Caribbean and rapidly intensified, is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane by late Thursday. Currently classified as a Category 1 hurricane, Helene is forecast to become a Category 3 or higher before reaching Florida, with winds exceeding 110 mph.
Helene is already causing widespread preparations across the state. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in several coastal areas, and schools are closing ahead of the storm. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency, and federal assistance is being deployed to help with potential recovery efforts. The storm is particularly concerning for the Big Bend region of Florida, where storm surges could reach up to 15 feet, along with torrential rains and potential flash flooding.
Residents in Tallahassee and surrounding areas are stocking up on supplies and sandbagging their homes in anticipation of Helene's arrival. Heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds are expected to affect areas far inland, and even states like Georgia and Alabama could see dangerous conditions, including tornadoes.
With the storm's path and intensity still developing, local authorities continue to urge residents to evacuate where necessary and prepare for the worst as Helene inches closer to the U.S. coastline​(
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