Officials and meteorologists stated Helene will cause terrible damage when hurricane strikes the Florida panhandle on Thursday. Officials issued critical evacuation orders ahead of Helene's arrival, particularly for coastal regions along the storm's path. In other places, they underlined the risks of catastrophic winds and a possibly life-threatening storm surge—a wall of saltwater pushed inland by the hurricane—that might climb as high as 20 feet (6.1 meters).

Jared Miller, the sheriff of Wakulla County, warned that people in coastal or low lying regions would not be able to survive the event. He stressed the urgency of the situation urging residents to heed evacuation orders.

Hurricane Helene strengthened and seriously threatened the Florida panhandle as it moved across the Gulf of Mexico's warm waters. Deputy Director Jamie Rhome said, "For those in the path that sadly means devastating wind effects." Sustained wind gusts predicted by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) might reach 156 miles per hour.

Rhome also emphasized the storm surge, which, in the Big Bend area—where the cyclone is scheduled to strike—is projected to reach between 15 and 20 feet (4.6 to 6.1 meters). Warning of possible hurricane-force winds and tropical storms, the NHC issued alerts for more than 40 million people living throughout Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Orders for mandatory evacuations along Florida's Gulf Coast, especially in Sarasota, Charlotte, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties, were Many counties announced shutdown of their schools in advance of the storm. Along the coast, Pinellas County officials also directed long-term healthcare facilities—including hospitals, assisted living centers, and nursing homes—to evacuate as a precaution.

The capital of Florida, Tallahassee, is exactly where the hurricane will pass. Mayor John Dailey said that Hurricane Helene might be the strongest storm to have ever touched the city. Encouraging locals to get ready for the worst, he spoke of the possibility for "unprecedented damage."

Apart from severe winds and storm surge, Helene is supposed to bring heavy rainfall. Forecasts show isolated regions might get up to 15 inches (38.1 cm) of rain, which would cause major urban flooding and flash floods. According to the NHC, flash floods—often resulting from people driving into flooded regions and being swept away—cause around half of the deaths linked to hurricanes.

Deputy Director Rhome underlined the need of prudence, especially in places vulnerable to flooding. He also noted the vast area spanning 180 miles (290 km) from the Florida panhandle into southern Georgia that would be subject to hurricane-force winds. Rhome advised locals to get ready for prolonged power disruptions since strong winds are probably going to knock down trees and obstruct roadways.

Emphasizing the need of being ready for interruptions he advised people to stock basic goods and develop required plans to remain safe both during and after the storm. Officials are advising those living in Hurricane Helene's path to follow evacuation instructions and get ready for extreme life-threatening circumstances as it gets closer. From strong winds and deadly storm surges to torrential rains and extensive floods, Helene is poised to be among the most destructive storms to strike Florida's panhandle in modern memory.

Hurricane Helene approaches Florida with strong winds and storm surge

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