Hurricane Helene Strengthens to Category 2, Heads for Florida

Florida is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Helene, a fast-moving storm that is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rains, and flash floods to the region. The governors of Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia have declared emergencies in their states as Helene moves towards the northwestern coast of Florida.

The National Weather Service has issued warnings for storm surges of up to 20 feet in Florida’s Apalachee Bay, describing the situation as “catastrophic and unsurvivable.” The storm is expected to make landfall in the Big Bend region, prompting evacuations in some areas.

Residents are stocking up on supplies and preparing for the worst as Helene approaches, with school districts and universities cancelling classes along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The storm is forecasted to be one of the largest in years to hit the region, with potential impacts reaching as far as Georgia and the southern Appalachian Mountains.

As Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen, federal authorities are mobilizing resources to support search-and-rescue efforts and power restoration. The storm marks the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, with further storm activity expected in the coming days.