Hurricane Helene Expected to Hit Florida Gulf Coast Thursday, Bringing Heavy Rainfall and 'Life-Threatening Storm Surges'

Tropical Storm Helene is rapidly intensifying in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to become a major hurricane by Thursday. The storm will impact Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Florida's Gulf Coast, and parts of the southeastern US. States of emergency have been declared in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, with evacuations underway. Heavy rainfall, "life-threatening storm surges," and hurricane-force winds are forecast. Helene is the eighth named storm of the season.