Hurricane Helene has intensified into a Category 2 storm and is expected to become even stronger before hitting Florida’s Big Bend region on Thursday evening. A hurricane warning is in effect for nearly 300 miles of coastline, with forecasters warning of a catastrophic storm surge up to 20 feet above ground level. Helene, with 105 mph winds on Thursday morning, is predicted to reach Category 3 or even Category 4 status at landfall, becoming one of the widest storms to ever strike the region. Governors in five states have declared states of emergency, and residents have been evacuating to shelters in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
Forecasters predict that Hurricane Helene will bring damaging winds and heavy rainfall as it moves inland and stalls over the Tennessee Valley, with some areas expected to see up to 20 inches of rain. This storm is projected to be the strongest to make landfall in the U.S. in 2024, surpassing Hurricane Francine. Despite the storm’s intensity, meteorologists emphasize its large size and wide-reaching impacts. Authorities are urging residents in the affected areas to take precautions and stay safe as Hurricane Helene approaches.
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