According to reports from the BBC at bbc. com, the state of Florida has issued mandatory evacuation orders as Hurricane Helene strengthened over the Gulf of Mexico. As of Thursday evening, the storm had grown into a category 4 hurricane and is expected to make landfall on Florida's Big Bend later in the evening.
Officials have described Hurricane Helene as "catastrophic" and "unsurvivable," warning that it will bring with it a storm surge of up to 20 feet (six meters) above ground level in some areas of the Big Bend. Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Centre (NHC), cautioned that residents under evacuation orders still have time to leave, but emphasized that "conditions are going to deteriorate quickly." The storm is expected to bring powerful winds, power outages, tree damage, "and significant rainfall of up to 18 inches.".. which could lead to flash flooding in some areas.
As the storm moves inland, "the NHC also warned that it could lead to numerous significant mudslides across southern Appalachia," where some areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains could see up to 30 inches (76 cm) of rain. Residents under evacuation orders are advised to take necessary precautions and follow the instructions of local authorities.
The situation is being closely monitored by officials... who are working to ensure the safety of the public.
The state of Florida has issued a number of mandatory evacuation orders as Hurricane Helene strengthened over the Gulf of Mexico. As of Thursday evening, the storm had grown into a category 4 hurricane and is expected to make landfall on Florida's Big Bend later in the evening.
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