Hurricane Helene is set to make landfall in Florida today, threatening to cause catastrophic damage to homes across the Sunshine State. The Category 4 storm is approaching the U.S. coastline with winds of up to 130 mph after days of strengthening in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
The storm is expected to make landfall on Florida’s northwest coast Thursday night. Hurricane and flood warnings had been issued early in the morning, extending well offshore into south-central Georgia.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency ahead of Helen’s arrival, with state officials warning that the impact on residents and businesses could be “unprecedented,” while the National Weather Service in Tallahassee predicted storm surges of up to 20 feet and warned that they could be “catastrophic and life-threatening” in Florida’s Apalachee Bay in particular. It added that high winds and heavy rain also posed risks.
Follow our live blog below for the latest updates:
Hurricane Helene is expected to hit Florida’s Gulf Coast within hours, causing an “insurmountable” storm surge that could cause catastrophic damage and flood towns and homes.
The National Hurricane Center warned that Helene could make landfall tonight as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of up to 130 mph (209 kph) after days of strengthening in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Forecasters predict that Helene could cause storm surges of up to 20 feet (6 meters) and warned that they could be “catastrophic and life-threatening” in Florida’s Apalachee Bay. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm.
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Hello and welcome to DailyMail.com’s live coverage of Hurricane Helene, which is rapidly approaching Florida.
The National Hurricane Center warned that Helene will likely reach Category 4 strength when it makes landfall after strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico.
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, as meteorologists predict storm surges of up to 20 feet (6 meters).
Government officials say the damage could be unprecedented and catastrophic as residents rush to reach higher ground.
Stay tuned to our coverage as we follow Helene’s movements and update you on the latest developments in Florida.
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