Hurricane Helene Intensifies as It Approaches the Florida Coast. Residents Urged to Evacuate

Hurricane Helene is rapidly intensifying as it approaches the Coast of Florida, with expected landfall Thursday evening or early Friday morning. Currently a Category 1 storm, Helene is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane by landfall. Helene is predicted to bring catastrophic storm surges up to twenty feet and widespread destructive winds across the region. Evacuation orders have been issued, and residents are urged to rush final preparations. Helene is also expected to produce heavy rainfall, potentially causing deadly flash floods and landslides in the Southern Appalachians.