Hurricane Helene, a Category 2 storm, is rapidly approaching the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida, with a potential landfall as a major hurricane. The storm is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rains, and flash floods across the southeastern U.S., extending warnings into Georgia and the Carolinas.
The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane warnings and flash flood warnings, with storm surges of up to 20 feet predicted in Florida's Apalachee Bay. The region is bracing for potentially catastrophic impacts, urging residents to take evacuation orders seriously.
Florida's Forgotten Coast, known for its natural beauty, is under threat as Helene heads towards the Big Bend region. The sparsely populated area is preparing for the storm's arrival, with mandatory evacuation orders in place.
Schools and universities along Florida's Gulf Coast have closed, and preparations are underway for potential power outages and flooding across the southeastern United States. Helene's broad reach is expected to impact areas as far north as North Carolina.
Helene, the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is part of an above-average season predicted by NOAA due to warm ocean temperatures. In addition to Helene, Tropical Storm Isaac and former Hurricane John are also active in the Atlantic and Pacific, respectively, posing threats to Bermuda and Mexico.
Authorities have positioned resources for search-and-rescue operations and power restoration, as Helene continues its path towards landfall. The region is on high alert for the storm's potential impacts, with residents urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
