By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-09-26 09:21:15 | Updated at 2024-09-30 23:38:13
4 days ago
Hurricane Helene is braced to make landfall in Florida today threatening to bring catastrophic damage to homes in the Sunshine State. The Category 4 storm is approaching the US coastline with wind speeds of up to 130mph after spending days strengthening in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
The storm is expected to make landfall on Florida's northwestern coast Thursday evening and as of early morning, hurricane warnings and flash flood warnings extended far beyond the coast up into south-central Georgia.
Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency ahead of Helene's arrival with state officials warning the impact on residents and businesses could be 'unprecedented', while the National Weather Service in Tallahassee forecast storm surges of up to 20 feet and warned they could be particularly 'catastrophic and life-threatening' in Florida's Apalachee Bay. It added that high winds and heavy rains also posed risks.
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Dire warning from officials: 'not a survivable event'
Officials have issued dire warnings, pleading with residents in coastal areas along the hurricane's path to evacuate ahead of catastrophic winds and a potentially deadly storm surge (the wall of seawater pushed on land by hurricane-force winds), that could rise to 20 feet (6.1 meters) in some spots.
'This is not a survivable event for those in coastal or low- lying areas,' said Jared Miller, the sheriff of Wakulla County, where Helene is forecast to make landfall. 'Please heed the evacuation orders in place as time is running out to do so.'
Helene roared across the Gulf of Mexico, picking up power from the warm ocean water. It is forecast to make landfall in Florida's panhandle Thursday evening, packing sustained wind speeds of up to 156 miles per hour, forecasters said.
'For those in the path, that unfortunately means catastrophic wind impacts,' National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome said.
Reported by Reuters
Florida braces for monster storm Helene
Hurricane Helene is set to strike Florida's Gulf Coast within hours, threatening an 'unsurvivable' storm surge that would leave catastrophic damage and could deluge cities and swallow homes.
Helene could roar ashore as a Category 4 hurricane by tonight, with wind speeds of up to 130mph after spending days strengthening in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center warned.
Forecasters predict Helene could bring storm surges of up to 20 feet (6 meters) and warned they could be particularly 'catastrophic and life-threatening' in Florida's Apalachee Bay. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm's arrival.
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Good morning
Hello and welcome to DailyMail.com's live coverage of Hurricane Helene as it fast approaches Florida.
The National Hurricane Center warned Helene is likely to reach Category 4 when it makes landfall after strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico.
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm's arrival as forecasters predict storm surges of up to 20 feet (6 meters).
State officials say the damage could be unprecedented and catastrophic with residents scrambling to reach higher ground.
Stick with our coverage as we track Helene's movements and bring you the latest developments on the ground in Flordia.
