Hurricane Helene has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm as it approaches Florida's northwest coast, bringing fears of a devastating storm surge and severe weather conditions across the southeastern United States.
Currently situated approximately 144 kilometers south of Tallahassee, Helene is moving northeast at a speed of around 38 kilometers per hour, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Officials warn that the hurricane could generate a storm surge between 4.5 to 6 meters along Florida's Gulf Coast, posing significant risks to residents and infrastructure.
As Helene makes its way toward landfall, more than 600,000 homes and businesses in Florida are already experiencing power outages due to the high winds and heavy rainfall battering the state, as reported by poweroutage.us.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has indicated that updated models predict Helene will landfall further east than previously estimated, reducing the likelihood of a direct hit on Tallahassee. This shift redirects the storm toward the Big Bend area, a region known for its fishing villages and popular vacation spots where Florida's Panhandle meets the peninsula.
Residents in the projected path of Helene's intensified storm are urged to take necessary precautions and stay informed as meteorologists continue to monitor the hurricane's trajectory.
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Hurricane Helene strengthens to Category 4 as it approaches Florida
cgtn.com
