See the Path of Hurricane Helene

As of 6 a.m. EST Thursday, Helene has become a category 2 hurricane and is expected to strengthen ahead of making landfall in the western coast of Florida later in the day. It is predicted to bring catastrophic winds and a storm surge to the Northeastern gulf coast, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Per the NHC: “Helene is moving toward the north-northeast near 12 m.p.h. This general motion is expected to continue with a significant increase in forward speed during the next 24 hours.”

The NHC also warns of the potential for a storm surge, during which water rapidly rises from the coast line, which can be life-threatening. A hurricane warning is in effect from Anclote River to Mexico Beach and a storm surge warning is in effect from Mexico Beach eastward and southward to Flamingo, Tampa Bay, and Charlotte Harbor. 

“Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions,” the NHC warned. “Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.”

Helene could cause inundation as high as 20 ft above ground level, according to the NHC. “A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of the Florida Big Bend Coast, where inundation could reach as high as 20 feet above ground level, along with destructive waves,” the NHC said. Life-threatening flash flooding is also to be expected throughout the southern Appalacians on Friday. 

So far, Helene has already wreaked havoc on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, where it flooded streets and toppled trees before passing northwards, according to the Associated Press. The storm has also pummeled the Caribbean: Cuba saw waves as high as 15 feet on its Cortes Bay Coast and the Cayman Islands were forced to close down schools as residents rode out the storm. 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for 41 counties on Monday, and increased the executive order to include 61 of the state’s 67 counties on Tuesday morning.

DeSantis urged residents to take the time to adequately prepare before the storm makes landfall—by taking precautions such as filling gas tanks and stocking up on water and non-perishable foods in case of a power outage. “We are going to see significant impact no matter what happens,” said DeSantis.

According to a press release by DeSantis, there are multiple preparedness efforts being issued by the state, including hosting daily calls with the counties in a state of emergency, readying high-water vehicles to be deployed if needed in these counties, and preparing the state guard to be deployed if needed.