Hurricane Helene accelerates toward Florida’s Big Bend threatening ‘unsurvivable’ storm surge: Live

Florida is bracing for “unsurvivable” storm surge from Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm.

In the afternoon, Helene was accelerating toward Florida’s Big Bend, bringing tropical storm conditions across most of the state’s western coast.

Just over a month after Storm Debby hurtled into the Sunshine State, Hurricane Helene now threatens to become the strongest storm to hit the US in over a year.

Hurricane Helene has maximum sustained winds of 120mph as of Thursday afternoon. Florida officials are warning residents to brace for life-threatening rain, floods and storm surge. All parts of Florida are under a hurricane or tropical storm warning.

Its size is also massive compared to previous hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. Local forecasters estimate the storm stretches 822 miles in width, and 114 in length. Hurricane warnings extend roughly 90 miles above the Georgia-Florida line.

According to The Associated Press, Helene is forecast to be one of the largest storms in breadth to hit the region in years, with only three bigger since 1988.

Key Points

• Hurricane Helene strengthened to a Category 3 storm Thursday afternoon

• Helene likely to intensify to a Category 4 hurricane before landfall

• Satellite images show Hurricane Helene as charts path to Florida coast

• Watch live: Category 2 Hurricane Helene set to make landfall in Florida

More than 40 million under hurricane, tropical storm warnings

00:43 , Michelle Del Rey

37,464,260 people are under tropical storm warnings and 2,852,691 people are under hurricane warnings, according to the National Weather Service.

Walt Disney World cancels experiences in response to Hurricane Helene

00:40 , Michelle Del Rey

Florida’s Walt Disney World cancelled some experiences in response to Hurricane Helene.

Its Typhoon Lagoon water park was temporarily closed and Beachcomber Shack and Typhoon Lagoon Umbrella rentals were cancelled.

A Halloween-themed even, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, was cancelled. Guests would be refunded for that event.

Mini golf courses at Fantasia Garden and Fairways and Winter Summerland were also temporarily closed.

Photos show surfers take to the beach as Hurricane Helene bears down on Florida

00:20 , Michelle Del Rey

Surfers took to the beach in Panama City ahead of Hurricane Helene on Thursday afternoon.

Hurricane becomes cat 4 storm

00:00 , Michelle Del Rey

The National Hurricane center announced Helene had become a category 4 storm shortly after 6.20pm.

The agency described the storm as “extremely dangerous,” with maximum sustained winds increasing to 130 mph.

Florida sheriff says residents who won’t evacuate could die

23:42 , Michelle Del Rey

In an interview with ABC News, Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett says residents who are refusing to evacuate low-lying areas by the coastline, about 200 people, could very well die.

“That’s a death threat because you’re looking at, they’re calling for 18- or 20-foot storm surge,” he told the outlet.

“We’ve never had a storm surge like this in this county. These old houses, some of them on this coast, have been there for years and years and years, and they’re just not going to stand up to it. The water — you can kind of hide from the wind — but you can’t hide from that water.”

Vice President urging Florida residents to take storm ‘seriously’

23:22 , Michelle Del Rey

As of 5 pm ET, Helene had sustained winds of 125 mph. Forecasters warned Helene would likely strengthen into a Category 4 storm before it makes landfall tonight in Florida’s Big Bend.

Kamala Harris has said, “The President and I, of course, are monitoring the case and the situation closely, and we urge everyone who is watching at this very moment to take this storm very seriously and please follow the guidance of your local officials.

“President Biden and I, of course, will continue to work closely with state and local officials to ensure that everyone is safe and to protect communities before, during, and after the storm.”

Hurricane rips off part of home in Tampa

23:22 , Michelle Del Rey

World Central Kitchen in Tallahassee preparing to deliver meals

23:12 , Michelle Del Rey

The charity’s staff is setting up to deliver sandwiches to communities in Florida impacted by the storm on Friday.

WATCH IT: Water pours onto Tampa Bridge

23:02 , Michelle Del Rey

Water seen flowing onto water in Howard Frankland Bridge.

West Virginia Governor issues state of preparedness for 22 counties

22:26 , Michelle Del Rey

Governor Jim Justice issued a state of preparedness on Thursday for 22 West Virginia counties.

They are: Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Putnam, Raleigh, Randolph, Summers, Wayne, Webster and Wyoming.

Water is seen splashing over Tampa’s Howard Frankland Bridge as a car whizzes across

22:05 , Julia Musto

Taylor County Sheriff’s Office tells residents to write personal information on their bodies in permanent marker

21:31 , Julia Musto

Officials in the rural Taylor County, along Florida’s Big Bend region, are telling their residents to write identifying information on their bodies in permanent marker before the storm hits.

“If you or someone you know chose not to evacuate, PLEASE write your, Name, birthday and important information on your arm or leg in A PERMANENT MARKER so that you can be identified and family notified,” the office wrote on Facebook.

The sheriff’s office asked residents to email them other vital information, including the location of their home and the number of people and animals who live there.

Hurricane Helene accelerates toward Florida’s Big Bend

21:20 , Julia Musto

https://x.com/CIRA_CSU/status/1839370438985855326

Hurricane Helene is accelerating toward Florida’s Big Bend, where it is expected to make landfall later this evening.

The category 3 storm is bringing tropical storm conditions across most of the state’s western coast.

Winds at the entrance to Tampa Bay have been picking up, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Appalachians will see catastrophic flooding, landslides

21:10 , Julia Musto

The southern Appalachians are expected to see strong, damaging winds and rainfall of up to a foot, with some isolated amounts of 20 inches.

“This rainfall will likely result in catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding, along with significant river flooding. Numerous significant landslides are expected in steep terrain across the southern Appalachians,” the National Hurricane Center warned.

The National Weather Service’s office in South Carolina’s Greenville-Spartanburg warned of “one of the most significant weather events to happen in the western portions of the area in the modern era.”

“Record flooding is forecasted and has been compared to the floods of 1916 in the Asheville area,” it said.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri warns residents about playing ‘stupid games’ ahead of Helene

21:01 , Julia Musto

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri warned residents in evacuation zones about playing “stupid games.”

Storm surge in the county could top between five and eight feet there.

“We’ve all heard the adage, play stupid games win stupid prizes. Somebody is going to win a stupid prize because they’re not going to get out and we’re not coming,” Gualtieri said.

People in evacuation zone A should get out now.

Photos show Tampa’s Florida High Patrol close the Sunshine Skyway Bridge

20:48 , Julia Musto

The Florida Highway Patrol in Tampa said it was closing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Thursday afternoon, as conditions in the area are continuing to devolve.

“As weather conditions continue to deteriorate & wind gusts have reached 60 MPH, FHP is closing the #Skyway,” the patrol wrote on X.

“Motorists are requested to seek alternate routes, do not drive through flooded roads & unless absolutely necessary stay off area roadways.”

Live: Hurricane Helene moves up Florida coast hitting Tampa

20:29 , Julia Musto

Live video shows impacts from Hurricane Helene as it moves up the Florida coast, hitting Tampa.

Satellite imagery shows lightning surrounding Hurricane Helene’s eyewall

20:21 , Julia Musto

Storm surge and winds were increasing along the Florida west coast at 3 p.m. EDT on Thursday.

A station at the entrance to Tampa Bay measure a sustained wind speed of 50mph and a gust of 62mph.

As Helene moved closer to the US Gulf Coast, NOAA satellite imagery captured lightning around the storm’s eyewall.

Hurricane Helene could make landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm, forecasters say

20:17 , Julia Musto

AccuWeather forecasters say Hurricane Helene will hit as a powerful Category 4 storm late Thursday night.

The weather forecasting company said it could bring maximum sustained winds of 131 to 155mph

“A surge of water from the Gulf of Mexico could reach 23 feet in the hardest-hit coastal areas of the Big Bend of Florida. This is two stories high and unsurvivable for people in the area,” warned AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter. “The life-threatening storm surge risk extends down through Tampa Bay where six to 10 feet of water inundation is possible.”

The greatest risk of water surge is expected along and near the coast and conditions are expected to be extremely dangerous after nightfall.

Destructive winds are expected to reach far inland, with catastrophic flash flooding hundreds of miles away from where Helene makes landfall.

“We are forecasting Helene to make landfall as a destructive Category 4 Hurricane in the Apalachicola area between Mexico Beach and Horseshoe Beach,” said Bernie Rayno.

National Guard arrives in Treasure Island

19:56 , Julia Musto

The City of Treasure Island said that the National Guard had arrived in the area on Thursday afternoon.

“The National Guard has now arrived to help get the message out for people to take this last call to evacuate seriously. City emergency officials are briefing them now,” the city said on Facebook. “They will stay in the area to help with rescue operations if needed.”

Hurricane Helene is a ‘dangerous’ Category 3 storm

19:35 , Alex Lang

The National Hurricane Center said its Air Force hurricane hunters have found Helene to be a “dangerous” major hurricane on Thursday afternoon.

The system has strengthened into a Category 3 storm, with maximum sustained winds increasing to 120mph.

The National Weather Service in Miami said Hurricane Helene has made its closest passage to South Florida.

Now, it’s is lifting further north in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

“Expect a few more hours of strong wind gusts, intermittent downpours, as well as hazardous coastal and marine conditions,” the agency said.

Additional strengthening is expected before Helene makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend.

Helene is nearly a major hurricane

19:19 , Julia Musto

Helene was nearly a major hurricane on Thursday afternoon, as Floridians raced to prepare for the storm.

The Category 2 storm is expected to rapidly strengthen before making landfall on Florida’s northwestern coast Thursday evening.

Florida Republican Gov Ron Desantis said on X that Helene would make landfall in Big Bend, but that dangerous conditions were expected throughout the Sunshine state and “even outside the forecast cone.”

“To stay safe from hazards like debris, downed power lines, and standing water, do not try to do any work in the dark tonight. State and local emergency management officials are ready to assist seniors and others in need of help clearing debris after the storm passes,” he wrote.

Helene’s maximum sustained winds have increased to near 110mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the hurricane’s center.

Tornado warnings were issued through Georgia, South Carolina, and in northern Florida, as the system swirled fewer than 200 miles southwest of Tampa.

Tampa’s airport was closed, as well as those in Tallahassee and Clearwater.

School districts and multiple universities had canceled classes.

With reporting from The Associated Press

‘For the Gram!’: Visitors brave Key West storm surge to take photos

19:02 , Julia Musto

Visitors are braving Key West’s incoming storm surge and high surf to take photos ahead of Hurricane Helene on Thursday.

Photos from the Environmental Protection Agency showed one man holding tightly onto his baseball cap as choppy ocean waters nearly surrounded him.

A live cam captured people as they posed for the ‘Southernmost Point’ buoy.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell warns Florida residents to take storm threats seriously

18:48 , Julia Musto

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is warning residents in Gulf Coast states to take action ahead of a storm that is expected to bring unsurvivable storm surge and flooding.

Speaking at the White House press briefing, she pleaded with Americans to take these threat seriously.

“We’re already seeing impacts in Florida, and the forecast indicates that we could see up to 20 feet of storm surge,” Criswell said.

That’s more than the peak storm surge of Hurricane Ian, which brought 14 feet. And, 150 people lost their lives in that storm, with the majority of deaths from drowning.

“Water is the number one reason that we see people lose their lives in these storms. So, please don’t underestimate what the impacts could possibly be,” Criswell said.

Residents in affected areas, like Florida’s Big Bend, can still take action. They may only need to travel inland by 10 to 15 miles.

As the storm moves north, however, life-threatening flash flooding is expected.

“The entire state of Florida is under some type of warning right now,” Criswell said, “whether that’s a hurricane warning or a tropical storm warning.”

Criswell will travel to affected areas tomorrow to assess the damage, and there are 11,000 personnel across the federal government supporting the preparedness efforts for the storm. She said she had briefed the president.

“We have been preparing for this storm for a number of days and we began moving resources into Florida on Monday.”

Nearly 50K Florida customers without power as Helene approaches

18:16 , Julia Musto

More than 49,700 customers were left without power Thursday afternoon hours before Hurricane Helene was expected to make landfall, according to online outage tracker PowerOutage.US.

Utility Florida Power & Light wrote on the social media platform X that it had been working to restore power.

“Our crews have been out restoring power to customers affected by Helene,” it said. “Significant flooding and dangerous storm surges are expected. Crews will continue to restore power to customers as long as it is safe to do so.”

Florida Power & Light provides energy to more than 12 million in the state. Its website warned over “longer than normal restoration times following the storm.”

And Duke Energy, a company headquartered in the Carolinas, said its crews were stationed there and in Florida.

Video shared by Duke Energy showed rows of response vehicles.

“18,000+ lineworkers and support workers are ready to assess damage and restore power as soon as it’s safe to do so,” it said.

‘Destructive waves’ add to brutal winds and life-threatening storm surge

18:10 , James Liddell

Video, images of flooding and rough surf from Hurricane Helene start to pour in

17:55 , Julia Musto

Video and images of flooding from Hurricane Helene are starting to pour in on social media.

Storm chaser Reed Timmer captured coastal flooding that was already beginning to reach homes at Alligator Point, a coastal community near Tallahassee.

“The only thing that can save them is a shift east in track of Hurricane Helene,” Timmer wrote on X.

In Treasure Island, close to St. Petersburg, the city shared video of floodwaters submerging its streets. Pinellas County is under a storm surge and tropical storm warning, as well as a flood, tornado, and hurricane watch.

Weather there is expected to deteriorate throughout the day, with the storm bringing storm surge of four to seven feet into the evening.

And, the National Weather Service shared video of rough surf at Naples Pier, still damaged from Hurricane Ian in 2022.

JD Vance sends prayers to Florida and Georgia residents as they brace for ‘life-threatening’ storm

17:50 , James Liddell

Ohio Senator JD Vance has asked for payers to be sent to Florida and Georgia residents who are preparing to weather Hurricane Helene.

“Say a prayer for our friends in Florida and Georgia who are bracing for what seems to be a very bad storm,” Vance wrote on X on Thursday, sharing Florida Senator Mark Rubio’s post about deadly 20ft storm surges.

“And if you know someone in the evacuation areas noted below, please tell them (or help them) get out now!”

Mapped: Florida counties that have been issued evacuation alerts

17:25 , James Liddell

Florida’s hardest-hit spots could be ‘unsurvivable’

17:05 , James Liddell

Some of the hardest-hit spots on Florida’s Gulf Coast, where storm surge could reach 20ft-high, could create an “unsurvivable scenario” for those remaining along the coastline, according to the National Hurricane Center’s director, Michael Brennan.

Hurricane Helene is about 255 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, and is moving at approximately 14mph. Wind speeds have exceeded 105mph and they’re expect to continue climb near Category 4 hurricane levels by this evening.

“That speed is going to increase to over 20 miles per hour by the time Helene makes landfall later this evening,” Brennan said during a live broadcast at about 11am ET.

Watch live as ‘catastrophic’ Hurricane Helene set to make landfall in Florida

16:45 , James Liddell

Watch live: Category 2 Hurricane Helene set to make landfall in Florida

Tucker Carlson’s South Carolina live show alongside Marjorie Taylor Greene cancelled

16:25 , James Liddell

Tucker Carlson’s live event at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, which was set for Thursday evening has been cancelled due to Hurricane Helene.

The show, aptly named Tucker Carlson Live 2024, promised an “interesting and fun as hell” night as the former Fox News presenter was set to be joined with firebrand Republican lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Instead of watching Carlson chat with the Georgia representative, those who purchased tickets to the Greenville leg of Carlson’s first live tour will receive a refund.

Just in: Helene to make landfall as ‘very large’ hurricane with deadly storm surge at Florida’s Big Bend tonight

16:05 , James Liddell

‘Nobody in recent memory has seen a storm of this magnitude,’ DeSantis says

15:54 , James Liddell

Just moments after appearing live on Fox News, Ron DeSantis said at a press conference that “nobody in recent memory has seen a storm of this magnitude,” in northern Florida.

The Florida Governor made the remarks ahead of Hurricane Helene, which is now a Category 2 storm, reaching Florida’s Gulf Coast which is expected to happen later today.

One Helene makes landfall, it is possible that it could again be upgraded to a near-Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds in excess of 130mph, aoccrinding to the National Hurricane Center.

Watch: Dramatic satellite images show Hurricane Helene as it charts path toward Florida

15:32 , James Liddell

Mapped: Charting Hurricane Helene’s path as Florida braces for landfall

15:11 , James Liddell

Floridians are currently bracing for catastrophic winds and storm surge as Hurricane Helene is forecast to make landfall along the state’s west coast on Thursday as a potential Category 4 storm.

Forecasters have warned that Helene will strike near Florida’s Big Bend region at some point this evening.

Myriam Page has more…

Mapped: Charting Hurricane Helene’s path as Florida braces for landfall

Hurricane Helene set to become Category 3 storm this afternoon

14:51 , James Liddell

Helene is expected to be upgraded to a Category 3 storm at this afternoon before then intensifying further to a near-Category 4 storm later this evening, upon potentially making landfall at Florida’s Big Bend.

A Category 3 hurricane sees wind speeds surpass 111mph up to 129mph, the National Hurricane Center says. “Devastating damage will occur,” according to the definition the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane scale.

If Helene strengthens to a Category 4 hurricane, it is likely “catastrophic damage will occur”. Sustained winds in a Catergoy 4 hurricane could be anywhere from 130mph to 156mph.

Tornadoes ‘likely’ in parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina

14:32 , James Liddell

The National Weather Service’s tornado branch has issued a tornado watch for parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

The separate alerts, which are valid until 8pm ET in Florida and 9pm in Georgia and South Carolina this evening, outlines that “several tornadoes are likely” across the states. No hail is expected.

More than 17.5m people will potentially be exposed to tornadoes in Florida, including an estimated 3,305 schools and 224 hospitals.

While in Georgia and South Carolina, more than 3.5m residents, 906 schools and 86 hospitals are in the potential path.

See NWS Tornado’s updates below:

‘Time is running out to evacuate’: Ron DeSantis gives Floridians urgent warning in Fox News interview

14:12 , James Liddell

Helene becomes Category 2 hurricane, NHS announces

13:52 , James Liddell

Watch live as Florida braces for ‘catastrophic’ Hurricane Helene

13:48 , James Liddell

Florida braces for ‘catastrophic’ Hurricane Helene as storm forecast to make landfall

What are the different categories of hurricane?

13:40 , James Liddell

There are five levels of hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane scale:

Category 1

A tropical storm becomes a hurricane when winds exceed 74mph. The hurricane will stay in this bracket until it reaches 96mph. The National Hurricane Center describes it as “very dangerous winds will produce some damage”.

Category 2

Category 2 hurricanes have sustained winds between 96mph and 110mph. The NHC described them as “extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage”.

Category 3

“Devastating damage will occur,” from the 111mph to 129mph winds, the NHC says.

Category 4

Helene may strengthen to a Category 4 hurricane the NHC says, which will mean “catastrophic damage will occur”. Sustained winds will be anywhere from 130mph to 156mph.

Category 5

Again, “catastrophic damage will occur,” during the strongest category of hurricane – which is wind speeds greater than 157mph. Framed homes in its path will likely be destroyed, the NHC says.

Florida’s Big Bend in direct path of Helene’s most catastrophic winds

13:20 , James Liddell

Hurricane Helene strengthens to Category 2 storm

13:15 , Rachel Sharp

Hurricane Helene has now strengthened to a Category 2 storm as it continues to chart its path towards Florida.

The NHC warned that “significant additional strengthening” is expected before it makes landfall later today.

Watch: How Floridians are prepare for Helene

13:00 , James Liddell

Schools closed across all of Florida’s counties

12:40 , James Liddell

K-12 schools across all 67 counties in Florida will be closed on Thursday, according to the latest update from the Florida Department of Education.

A further 25 colleges and 11 state universities will also close their doors in anticipation of Hurricane Helene making landfall.

“The Florida Department of Education works closely with school districts before, during and after natural disasters to ensure they have the resources necessary to resume normal operations as quickly as possible,” reads a statement on the Florida Department of Education’s website.

Mapped: Which counties have been issued evacuation alerts?

12:20 , James Liddell

Airports hunker down for Hurricane Helene

12:00 , James Liddell

‘Unsurvivable’ storm surge and vast inland damage: Threats Hurricane Helene poses

11:41 , James Liddell

Fast-moving Hurricane Helene was advancing Thursday across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, threatening an “unsurvivable” storm surge in northwestern parts of the state as well as damaging winds, rains and flash floods hundreds of miles inland across much of the southeastern US, forecasters said.

Read more:

Hurricane Helene threatens ‘unsurvivable’ storm surge, forecasters say

Mapped: Hurricane Helene wind arrival times

11:20 , James Liddell

Residents urged to evacuate in face of life-threatening storm surge

11:00 , James Liddell

Watch live from Cancun as Hurricane Helene heads north to Florida

10:40 , James Liddell

Watch live from Cancun as Hurricane Helene heads north to Florida

Florida senator says catastrophic storm surge ‘not survivable’

10:20 , James Liddell

Florida Senator Rick Scott gave a grave warning that storm surge produced from Hurricane Helene isn’t survivable.

Helene, which was upgraded from a tropical storm to hurricane on Wednesday, could be a Category 4 hurricane before it makes landfall on Thursday evening.

With it, it brings potential storm surge of up to 20ft-high in some areas on Florida’s Golf Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center.

“In the Big Bend, they’re talking about possibly 18-foot of storm surge,” Scott said in Taylor County. “I’m a little over 6 feet — that’s three times my height. None of us are living that.”

He added: “You’re not going to survive. I mean, you’re not going to live through this stuff.”

Just in: Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen as catastrophic winds and storm surge set to pummel Gulf Coast

10:00 , James Liddell

Pictured: Parts of Cuba’s southern coast left underwater as Helene passes through

09:39 , James Liddell

Satellite: Helene’s 85mph hurricane-force winds hurtle towards Florida’s Gulf Coast

09:19 , James Liddell

What time is Hurricane Helene expected to make landfall?

08:59 , James Liddell

Helene is expected to be a major hurricane – potentially Category 4 – when it reaches Florida’s Big Bend coast.

It is expected to make landfall at some point on Thursday evening, according to the latest announcement from the National Hurricane Center.

Parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast may experience tropical storm-force winds from the early hours of Thursday morning.

After landfall, the hurricane is expected to turn northwest, slow down as it charts its path over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and into the weekend.

Explainer: What is storm surge?

08:48 , James Liddell

Storm surge occurs when strong winds push sea water onshore, causing an abnormal rise in water level.

It can result in extensive flooding for those living in coastal areas, with heavy rains and large waves generated from the wind adding to build up of water.

The change in sea level is measured at the height the water sits above the normal predicted astronomical tide.

The National Hurricane Center has declared a “life threatening situation” with much of Florida’s Gulf Coast expected to experience nine-plus feet of storm surge.

The stretch between Carrabelle to Suwannee River in Florida may expect up to 20ft of storm surge, according to the NHC’s latest briefing.

See the National Weather Service’s diagram below:

Mapped: Hurricane Helene flash flood risk

08:40 , James Liddell

Race against time as Floridians ‘rush’ in final preparations to brace ‘catastrophic’ winds and storm surge

08:20 , James Liddell

State emergency chief warns residents of Helene’s impact

08:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Florida’s emergency chief, Kevin Guthrie, warned the effects of Helene will be far-reaching and residents should be careful even if they think they’re far from the storm.

“Tropical storm force winds can be filled up to 250 miles from the center,” Guthrie explained at a Wednesday morning press conference

“Tornadoes are probable and high winds, life-threatening storm surge and flooding cannot be ruled out,” he added.

Guthrie urged residents to keep their devices on to receive emergency alerts and to have an evacuation plan in place.

Helene to hit Florida two years after devastating Hurricane Ian

07:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Helene, which is expected to strengthen to Category 4, will batter Florida two years after Hurricane Ian.

Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa, Florida, in September 2022. Meanwhile, Helene is set to make landfall slightly north, near Florida’s Big Bend region.

Hurricane Ian is the costliest to ever hit Florida and the third-costliest in US history.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided $1.15 billion for 387,139 households to assist with home repairs, lodging expenses, rent payments and other needs.

The agency also allocated $2.3 billion to reimburse state, local and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations for storm-related costs.

Hurricane Helene is set to cause ‘unprecedented’ damage to parts of the state.

“We will have countless downed trees. We will have structural damage. We will have loss of power,” Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey said on Wednesday. “Yes, if our community remains central in Helene’s path as forecasted, we will see unprecedented damage like nothing we have ever experienced before.”

Mapped: Hurricane Helene rainfall

06:00 , Katie Hawkinson

ICYMI: Hurricane Helene could render parts of Tallahassee ‘uninhabitable’ for months

05:01 , Katie Hawkinson

“Catastrophic” storm surge and flooding could render some areas of Tallahassee and the surrounding region “uninhabitable” for weeks or months, the National Weather Service said.

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey told residents that Hurricane Helene could bring “unprecedented damage” to the Florida city if it remains on its current path.

“We will have countless downed trees. We will have structural damage. We will have loss of power,” Dailey said on Wednesday. “Yes, if our community remains central in Helene’s path as forecasted, we will see unprecedented damage like nothing we have ever experienced before.”

The storm could strengthen to a Category 4 as it makes landfall in Florida late Thursday.

Key messages from officials ahead of Hurricane Helene

04:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Satellite: Sun rises on Hurricane Helene

03:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Video: Helene batters Cancún on path to Florida

02:00 , Katie Hawkinson

ICYMI: NASA and SpaceX Florida rocket launch delayed by days due to Helene

01:00 , Katie Hawkinson

‘Life-threatening’ storm surge to come, Florida officials warn

Thursday 26 September 2024 00:33 , Katie Hawkinson

“Life-threatening” storm surge of up to 20 feet could hit Florida as Hurricane Helene makes landfall tomorrow, officials warn.

Residents should stay alert and monitor their emergency alerts tomorrow.

Pet shelter issues call for community help ahead of Helene

Thursday 26 September 2024 00:05 , Katie Hawkinson

An animal shelter in Marianna, Florida has issued a call for community members to help foster animals as Hurricane Helene batters the state.

The Partners for Pets shelter needs to find temporary homes for their animals before Helene hits the state in full force on Thursday, local outlet WTVY reports.

Meanwhile, Wags and Whiskers of the Wiregrass, an animal boarding center in Enterprise and Dothan, has offered to take residents’ pets and give them safe shelter as the storm passes.

See it: Hurricane Helene is rapidly strengthening, radar imagery shows

Thursday 26 September 2024 00:00 , Katie Hawkinson