Hurricane Helene has surged to a powerful Category 4 storm as it nears Florida's northwest coast this Thursday night. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reports that Helene is currently positioned about 144 kilometers south of Tallahassee, moving northeast at approximately 38 kilometers per hour.
Forecasters warn of a potential \"nightmare\" storm surge, predicting waves could reach heights of 4.5 to 6 meters along Florida's Gulf Coast. Such a surge poses a deadly threat, especially to coastal communities.
As Helene approaches, over 600,000 homes and businesses in Florida are already experiencing power outages due to the high winds and heavy rainfall battering the state, according to poweroutage.us.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has indicated that updated models show Helene is likely to make landfall further east than initially expected. This shift reduces the likelihood of a direct hit on Tallahassee, home to nearly 400,000 residents, and directs the storm towards the less densely populated Big Bend area. This region, known for its fishing villages and vacation spots, sits where Florida's Panhandle meets the peninsula.
Residents in the anticipated path of Helene are urged to stay informed and prepared as the storm continues to develop.
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Hurricane Helene strengthens to Category 4 as it approaches Florida
cgtn.com
