The fast-approaching Hurricane Helene is rapidly advancing across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, presenting significant threats of storm surges, damaging winds, and widespread flooding.
Florida’s northwestern coast, in particular, is expected to face a life-threatening storm surge of up to 20 feet in Apalachee Bay, prompting evacuation orders in several counties, including Wakulla.
Despite the warnings, some residents, like Christine Nazworth, are choosing to shelter in place, hoping for the best.
Helene, with current sustained winds of 85 mph, is expected to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane by Thursday evening.
The storm has already caused destruction in Mexico and is now moving northward at 9 mph.
Georgia and parts of the Carolinas are also preparing for the storm’s impact, as the governors of these states have declared emergencies.
Forecasters warn that the storm will remain dangerous even as it moves inland, with strong winds, power outages, and flooding extending as far north as the southern Appalachian Mountains.
The National Hurricane Center has extended tropical storm warnings up to North Carolina.
Federal authorities have positioned emergency supplies and teams in preparation for search-and-rescue operations and power restoration efforts.
Hurricane Helene is one of the largest storms predicted for the region in recent years and follows other notable hurricanes like Irma, Wilma, and Opal.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Isaac has formed in the Atlantic and is expected to strengthen, with potential impacts on Bermuda and the Azores.
In the Pacific, former Hurricane John has reformed and is posing a renewed threat to Mexico’s western coast.
Residents in affected areas are urged to take evacuation orders seriously and prepare for potentially severe conditions.