Hurricane Helene To Bring 'Unsurvivable' Storm, Landfall in Florida's Northwestern Coast

Hurricane Helene intensified into an alarming storm on Wednesday, prompting urgent warnings from forecasters as it crossed the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida. Currently situated approximately 430 miles southwest of Tampa, Helene boasts sustained winds of 85 mph and is expected to evolve into a major hurricane, with landfall anticipated in Florida’s Big Bend region as early as late Thursday.

In response to the impending threat, officials in Florida and Georgia have declared emergencies, leading to widespread evacuations and school closures. 

Residents along the northwestern coast of Florida are bracing for significant impacts, including storm surges of up to 20 feet.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane warnings for parts of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Florida’s coastline. As preparations continue, officials urge residents to stay informed and heed evacuation orders to ensure safety.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm John is also gaining strength, threatening to reemerge as a hurricane along Mexico’s western coast. 

Biden Approves Emergency Declaration for North Carolina: 

President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for North Carolina on Thursday, responding to severe weather conditions impacting the region. This declaration follows earlier approvals for Georgia and Florida, highlighting the escalating response to the ongoing crisis. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has already mobilized teams to Florida and Alabama to assist local first responders. In preparation for potential disaster scenarios, federal authorities have deployed generators, food, and water supplies, as well as search-and-rescue and power restoration teams.