Florida Braces For Hurricane Helene As Potential Cyclone Intensifies. Gov. DeSantis Declares Emergency.

Florida is preparing for a potential tropical storm, which could turn into Hurricane Helene by Wednesday night. The National Hurricane Center warns of life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds. A hurricane watch affects parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared an emergency for forty-one counties. Helene could reach Category 3 strength, bringing heavy rain, dangerous flooding, and significant power outages to Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.