"Gargantuan" Hurricane Helene could bring "catastrophic and deadly storm surge" to parts of Florida Gulf Coast

Hurricane Helene is strengthening as it moves across the jap Gulf of Mexico toward a forecast Thursday night or early Friday morning landfall over Florida's Major Bend Coast and is particularly "predicted to bring catastrophic winds and storm surge into the northeastern Gulf Coast," the Countrywide Hurricane Center reported early Thursday. "Preparations to guard everyday living and house should be rushed to completion," the center urged.

The National Weather Service warned in a post on X that, "A catastrophic and lethal storm surge is probably going together portions on the Florida Big Bend coast, the place inundation could reach as large as twenty toes above ground degree, along with destructive waves. There may be also a Risk of lifestyle-threatening storm surge alongside the remainder with the west Coastline of your Florida Peninsula. Residents in Individuals regions should really follow guidance presented by community officers and evacuate if instructed to take action."