A tropical system in the Caribbean is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane named Helene, with winds reaching up to 115 mph before making landfall on the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region. The storm is projected to bring life-threatening storm surge, hazardous winds, and heavy rain, prompting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency for 41 counties. A hurricane watch has been issued for the Gulf Coast of Florida, with fears of rapid intensification in the Gulf potentially turning the storm into a devastating monster storm. Up to 10 inches of rain is expected in isolated locations, with areas still recovering from Hurricane Debby at risk of flooding. The storm could become the fourth landfalling hurricane in the U.S. this year, following Beryl, Debby, and Francine. Residents along the Gulf Coast are urged to be prepared for hurricane impacts as the storm intensifies and approaches the region.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com