Hurricane Helene, now a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 130 mph, is rapidly approaching Florida’s Gulf Coast, set to make landfall in the Big Bend region by 11 p.m. EST. The National Weather Service warns that the storm could unleash “unsurvivable” storm surges, expected to reach up to 20 feet in some areas. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis emphasized the urgency of evacuation during a press conference, advising those still in the storm’s path to leave immediately.
Helene’s impact won’t be limited to Florida. With tropical storm warnings extending as far north as North Carolina, states like Georgia, Alabama, and both Carolinas are bracing for hurricane-force winds and torrential rains. Power outages have already affected over 340,000 homes and businesses in Florida, and intercoastal bridges have been closed as part of ongoing emergency efforts. President Joe Biden also declared a state of emergency for Alabama, preparing for the storm’s potential to affect neighboring states.
Beyond the winds, the real danger lies in the storm surge and flooding, with former FEMA director Craig Fugate reminding the public that water, not wind, is the leading cause of death in hurricanes. Airports in key areas like Tampa, Clearwater, and Tallahassee have ceased operations, and Atlanta remains on high alert, with residents sheltering in preparation for the storm’s northern reach.
As the storm closes in, experts continue to warn of widespread destruction across the Gulf Coast and beyond.