Tropical Storm Helene is rapidly intensifying in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to develop into a hurricane by Wednesday as it tracks northward along Mexico's coast towards the United States. This has prompted evacuations, school closures, and emergency declarations in Florida and Georgia.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for parts of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and Florida's northwestern coastline, where storm surges of up to 15 feet are anticipated. Helene is projected to reach major hurricane status, potentially a Category 3 or higher, by Thursday when it is forecasted to make landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Residents in the affected regions are advised to prepare for power outages and stock up on essential supplies such as food and water for at least three days. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and life-threatening storm surges along the west coast of Florida.
President Joe Biden has declared an emergency in Florida and deployed Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teams to support local responders. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp have also issued emergency declarations in their respective states.
The storm's impact is anticipated to be widespread, with states as far inland as Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana likely to experience heavy rainfall. Schools in affected areas are closing, and evacuation orders have been issued in several counties along Florida's west and northwestern coasts.
Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which NOAA has predicted to be above average due to record-warm ocean temperatures. The storm's rapid intensification and large size pose significant risks to coastal communities along its path.
Authorities are urging residents to stay informed, follow evacuation orders, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety as Tropical Storm Helene continues to strengthen and move towards the U.S. Gulf Coast.
