By Rich McKay, Brendan O'Brien and Andrew Hay
Florida is on high alert as Hurricane Helene approaches, with forecasters predicting it to be a powerful Category 4 storm upon landfall in the state's panhandle. Officials are issuing dire warnings, urging residents in coastal areas to evacuate immediately to avoid catastrophic winds and a potentially deadly storm surge that could reach up to 20 feet in some areas.
Jared Miller, the sheriff of Wakulla County, where Helene is expected to make landfall, stated, "This is not a survivable event for those in coastal or low-lying areas. Please heed the evacuation orders as time is running out."
Helene has gained strength as it crossed the Gulf of Mexico, fueled by warm ocean waters. The storm is projected to hit Florida's panhandle with sustained wind speeds of up to 156 miles per hour, leading to potential catastrophic wind impacts.
Forecasters are predicting a storm surge of 15 to 20 feet in the Big Bend area of Florida's panhandle, where Helene is anticipated to come ashore. With more than 40 million people in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama under hurricane and tropical storm warnings, evacuations have been ordered along the Gulf Coast, and school closures and healthcare facility evacuations have been announced.
John Dailey, the mayor of Tallahassee, warned that Helene could bring unprecedented damage to the city, potentially making it the strongest storm to ever hit the area.
After making landfall, Helene is expected to bring torrential rains of up to 15 inches in some isolated spots, leading to flash and urban flooding. The National Hurricane Center emphasized the dangers of flash flooding caused by heavy rain, advising extreme caution to those in affected areas.
Overall, residents in the path of Hurricane Helene need to prepare for prolonged power outages, fallen trees blocking roads, and potential life-threatening conditions. It is crucial to heed evacuation orders, stay informed, and take necessary precautions to ensure safety and minimize damage during this powerful storm.