Hurricane Helene is rapidly intensifying and is forecast to reach catastrophic Category 4 strength by the time it makes landfall in Florida on Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm surge along some parts of the coast could potentially climb to 20 feet, posing a significant threat to life and property.
The center of the hurricane is expected to hit around Apalachicola on Thursday evening, with wind speeds reaching at least 130 mph. The storm is predicted to be one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the United States in over a year.
Helene's impact won't be limited to Florida, as it is expected to track northward and affect much of the Southeast. Thousands of residents have been evacuated, and alerts are in place across a wide area due to the storm's size and intensity.
Despite moving over land, Helene is expected to remain strong and could still be a hurricane in Georgia on Friday morning, nearly 150 miles from where it makes landfall. This poses a significant risk to areas well inland from the coast.
Officials are urging residents to prepare and take necessary precautions. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the importance of implementing emergency plans and staying informed. The Florida Division of Emergency Management has arranged for free rides to shelters for those in counties under a state of emergency.
The storm's impact is expected to include flooding, damaging winds, and life-threatening storm surge. Coastal areas are not the only ones at risk, as Helene's reach extends far inland, potentially causing historic flooding in mountainous regions of the Southeast.
Residents in the storm's path are advised to stay off the roads as the storm approaches, and preparations are underway to mitigate the potential damage. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for areas likely to experience significant impacts from Helene, including the risk of tornadoes and widespread flooding.
As the Southeast braces for the arrival of Hurricane Helene, major theme parks in Florida have announced closures for Thursday to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
