TALLAHASSEE, Fla. − Hurricane Helene gained strength on Thursday, nearing Category 3 status, and was predicted to become even more intense as it approached Florida’s Gulf Coast, potentially bringing severe destruction.

The National Hurricane Center’s forecast shows the storm expected to land Thursday night as a Category 3 hurricane with winds around 115 mph, just 5 mph shy according to the 2 p.m. ET update. Weather experts from AccuWeather are anticipating Helene could escalate to Category 4, with wind speeds between 131 to 155 mph, as it reaches the Gulf and remains at that strength during landfall.

Multiple counties in Florida have mandated evacuations. Four counties—Franklin, Taylor, Liberty, and Wakulla—home to over 70,000 people, have instructed all residents to evacuate. Sheriff Jared Miller of Wakulla County cautioned locals that the area might experience “catastrophic” storm surges.

“This will not be a survivable event for those in coastal or low-lying areas,” said Miller in a Facebook post. “Wakulla hasn’t faced a storm of this scale in recorded history.”

According to the projected path, Helene is set to make landfall in the Florida Big Bend region Thursday night. After striking land, the storm is likely to shift northwest and slow down over the Tennessee Valley Friday and Saturday. While Florida is the first target, other states are also preparing for potential impacts.

“Helene is an extremely dangerous hurricane and could be a ‘once-in-a-generation storm’ for western South Carolina and North Carolina, as well as northern and eastern Georgia,” said Dan DePodwin, AccuWeather’s senior director of forecasting operations.

Latest Updates:

∎ As of Thursday at 2 p.m. ET, the storm was approximately 195 miles southwest of Tampa. Maximum sustained winds had risen to 110 mph, just under Category 3, and Helene was moving north-northeast at 16 mph.

∎ The Florida Highway Patrol shut down the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, linking St. Petersburg to Bradenton, as winds at the bridge reached 60 mph and conditions worsened.

∎ Florida State University and Florida A&M University canceled classes but welcomed students and local residents. The American Red Cross was setting up a shelter at FAMU’s Al Lawson Center for the public; additionally, FSU was opening a refuge site at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center for registered students from off-campus.

Pastor opens church as a shelter

Paul Nawlin, the pastor of First Baptist Church of Steinhatchee, made rounds on his golf cart to check on residents living by the Steinhatchee River. Since some residents chose to weather the storm, he too will remain with them. His church recently finished roof repairs done in preparation for Helene and is now ready to provide shelter to anyone in need.

“We’re putting our trust in the Lord,” Nawlin expressed. “He didn’t ask us to understand everything, just to have faith.”

Increasing power outages as Helene approaches

As Hurricane Helene drew closer to Florida’s panhandle and Big Bend region, thousands lost power Thursday morning. Reports indicated that over 30,000 utility customers experienced outages statewide by noon, according to a YSL News tracker. Collier County had over 8,000 outages, while Broward County and Lee County reported over 6,000 and 8,000 outages respectively.

The number of outages is expected to surge as Helene continues its approach throughout the day and into Thursday night.

– Gabe Hauari and Anthony Robledo, YSL News

Manatees at risk of being stranded by Hurricane Helene

Wildlife specialists informed YSL News that various animals, including fish and birds, are affected by storms in different ways, depending on their environments and food availability.

Manatees could become stranded or hurt due to debris from Hurricane Helene. In past storms, they have been found in unusual locations, such as dry bays and golf course ponds. In contrast, larger animals such as sharks and whales are likely to escape the hurricane with ease, according to the National Ocean Service.

After Hurricane Idalia in 2023, flamingos from Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula were spotted in places like Missouri and Kansas, locations where they had never been documented before.

Commonly, fish fatalities during a hurricane occur due to low oxygen in water pushed upward from the ocean floor, which may carry dangerous hydrogen sulfide. Furthermore, extended periods of cloudy weather during storms prevent oxygen-producing organisms and plants from photosynthesizing, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

− Jeanine Santucci

Potential damage from Helene in Florida

The actual extent of damage Helene could cause in Florida is yet to be determined.

The impact of the storm will vary depending on its landfall location, as well as other factors such as flooding, storm surge, and tornado activity. Particularly, the storm’s wind speed and category at landfall will significantly influence power outages and structural damage. A Category 4 storm, by its very nature, is expected to cause “catastrophic” damage.

The National Hurricane Center warns that Category 4 hurricanes can inflict “severe” damage to well-constructed homes, potentially compromising both roofs and walls. Many trees would be either broken or uprooted, and power poles are likely to be knocked down.

“Power outages could persist for weeks, or even months. Many areas may be uninhabitable for an extended period,” according to the hurricane center’s assessment of Category 4 storms.

On the other hand, a Category 3 storm, though significantly less powerful, still poses a serious risk. According to the center, “Electricity and water may be unavailable for several days to weeks following the storm.”

Discover more about the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and the risks associated with storm surge.

− Doyle Rice

Weathering the Storm on a Fishing Boat

In Saint Marks, situated 30 miles south of Tallahassee, where two rivers converge before flowing into Apalachee Bay, a small group of residents and business owners observed the water level rising by several inches every half hour on Thursday. Philip Tooke, a 63-year-old stone crab fisherman, stood on the dock of his family’s Saint Mark’s Seafoods business, monitoring the rain and any shifts in wind direction. He has experienced significant flooding beneath his building multiple times over the years but is now concerned about the potential impact of a 15-foot storm surge. He and his brother planned to endure the storm from their fishing boats.

“I sympathize with those to the east, but if we avoid a direct hit, we should be fine,” Tooke remarked. “It hasn’t reached its peak severity yet. That will happen by tonight. Conditions won’t be enjoyable down here.”

Carolinas and Tennessee Brace for Major Flood Risks

Hurricane Helene is expected to cause flooding well beyond Florida, impacting eastern Alabama and southern Georgia as well. As the massive storm progresses inland overnight, areas of the southern Appalachians—from northeast Atlanta through the western Carolinas to eastern Tennessee—are also at risk of “catastrophic” flooding, according to forecasts.

During a Thursday morning briefing on Helene, Michael Brennan, the director of the National Hurricane Center, cautioned about expected rainfall totals ranging from 6 to 12 inches, with isolated areas seeing up to 18 inches. This intense rain raises the likelihood of “life-threatening” flash and urban flooding, as well as the risk of mudslides and landslides in the mountainous regions.

The governors of Georgia and the Carolinas have declared states of emergency as the rapidly moving storm approaches the Florida coast.

“While we will probably escape the worst of this storm, we are still expecting flooding, strong winds, and isolated tornadoes,” said South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster. “Please take necessary precautions and stay updated with local forecasts.”

– Christopher Cann, YSL News

Flight Cancellations and Airport Closures

As of early Thursday, over 1,000 flights in the U.S. had been canceled due to Hurricane Helene, according to FlightAware. Tampa International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, and Tallahassee International Airport in Florida all announced their closure for the day. The storm’s effects are felt beyond its anticipated track, prompting airlines to offer travel waivers earlier this week to help customers adjust their plans.

Passengers affected by flight cancellations are entitled to refunds under Department of Transportation regulations. While federal laws do not mandate airlines to compensate for delayed flights, many airlines are offering various levels of compensation for significant delays within their control. Read more here.

− Eve Chen

School Closures Across Florida

The majority of schools in Florida were closed on Thursday in anticipation of Hurricane Helene’s landfall, as reported by Florida Today, part of the YSL News Network. The Florida Department of Education released a statement listing the schools affected and mentioned that they are coordinating with districts to ensure they have the necessary resources to return to normal operations as soon as possible.

The University of Florida in Gainesville closed on Thursday, along with Florida A&M University and the New College of Florida, which had previously decided to remain closed through Friday. Additionally, at least 33 other colleges and universities are temporarily shutting down their campuses according to the Florida Department of Education.

Numerous school districts statewide have also been closed, impacting K-12 students, as the entire state remains under hurricane and tornado watches.

− Claire Thornton

Flooding Starts Along Central and Southwest Florida Coast

On Thursday morning, floodwaters began to cover roads along central and southwest Florida. Areas including Fort Myers Beach, Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton, and several locations in the Tampa Bay area have reported road closures due to heavy rain and storm surge causing flooding in coastal and low-lying regions.

Sanibel city spokesman Eric Jackson highlighted the widespread flooding across Lee County and urged residents to avoid driving in flooded areas. Meteorologist Molly McCollum from the Weather Channel shared video footage showing fish swimming on flooded streets.

a street in downtown Sarasota.

The National Hurricane Center is predicting several feet of water to crash ashore along most of Florida’s western coast, with the highest levels anticipated to reach between 15 to 20 feet, particularly impacting the panhandle and Big Bend coast.

– Christopher Cann, YSL News; Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News; Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Elderly Couple Decides to Stay Put

“I need to let you know ” Harden started, explaining the expected surge risks. Ridgeway assured him he was aware.

Later, as he and his wife Jean, 81, sat in their living room, Ridgeway mentioned he had chosen this century-old house due to its high elevation. During Hurricane Idalia last year, floodwaters didn’t reach their home. Jean Ridgeway pointed out that this is the third hurricane situation they have faced since 2023.

“We used to not have hurricanes here,” she said, then added with humor, “I think they discovered this place and liked it.”

Community Learns from Past, Evacuates Horseshoe Beach

In anticipation of Hurricane Helene’s landfall, Horseshoe Beach has turned into a ghost town, with residents making last-minute preparations to head inland. The area was previously hard-hit by Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 storm that struck on August 30, 2023, inflicting serious damage to the eastern Big Bend and Nature Coast. Now, they brace for a potential 10- to 15-foot storm surge, or even more.

“We’re just trying to get out of here,” said Judy Paradis while packing her car with her husband, John.

After their experiences last year, locals took evacuation warnings seriously, Judy remarked. The Paradises recently made Horseshoe Beach their permanent residence after years of visiting. They expressed feelings of “survivor’s guilt” because their elevated condo remained intact amidst the destruction faced by many.

“We try not to complain as we still have our home,” John added.

Southeast Anticipates Up to 18 Inches of Rain

Helene is forecasted to deliver total rainfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches across a significant portion of the Southeast over the coming days, with some isolated areas possibly receiving as much as 18 inches. Jack Beven, a senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center, warned that this rainfall could lead to “potentially life-threatening” flooding.

“Helene is gaining strength and is expected to bring catastrophic winds and storm surges to the northeastern Gulf Coast,” he cautioned. “People should finalize preparations to protect their lives and property immediately.”

Creative Solutions as Sandbag Supply Runs Low

Emergency shipments of hurricane supplies have been arriving throughout the week at the Home Depot in Town ‘n’ Country, a Tampa Bay community with over 85,000 residents. By Thursday morning, the stock of filled 50-pound sandbags had decreased from 16 pallets to just 3½, reported store manager Erica Jarmon. The few remaining bags were filled with play sand from the children’s section.

“Some customers are even using garden soil bags as creative alternatives for barriers,” Jarmon noted beside the dwindling sandbags. Essential hurricane supplies included generators, gas cans, flashlights, sump pumps, extension cords, blue tarps, plywood, and more, Jarmon added.

“Fans are also in high demand, particularly for managing moisture and hastening the drying of wet walls,” Jarmon continued. “Bleach is another key item post-storm.”

− Rick Neale, Florida Today

Local Resident Prepares for Helene

Normally busy, the Sea Hag Marina on Florida’s Big Bend coast was largely deserted Thursday ahead of Helene. Bobbi Patterson, who is 85, moved anything that could get damaged, including rugs, chairs, and a sofa, from her home on the Steinhatchee River to another property she owns across the street. Patterson planned to stay in a motel in Gainesville. Her daughter, Susan Merritt, 63, assisted her in the efforts.

In the four decades Patterson has owned her riverfront home, it has flooded two times. While she believes the media tends to exaggerate storm threats, she is taking this particular situation seriously. Nevertheless, she expressed reluctance to think they were relocating furniture without a necessity.

“It’s nearly stripped,” she said, referring to her river home. “It better be worth it.”

Katrina Survivors Cautious of Helene

According to Florida building codes, homes constructed after 2004 are likely able to withstand winds up to 115 mph. However, Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie advised those in homes built before this date to make informed decisions.

With severe storm surges expected along the coast, northern Gulf Coast residents Gene and Margaret Taylor are acutely aware of the devastation that water can bring. When Hurricane Katrina approached in August 2005, the Taylor family evacuated from their Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, seaside home to a relative’s inland residence. The infamous hurricane obliterated their home and the surrounding area with an unprecedented 28-foot storm surge.

Gene Taylor initially thought his street looked like it did “when the French first arrived” in Mississippi in the late 1600s. “We never imagined our house would be lost,” he recalled. Read more here.

− Dinah Voyles Pulver

Waffle House to Keep Tallahassee Locations Open  for Now

Renowned for its 24/7 service, Waffle House

The restaurant chain remains a source of comfort during challenging weather conditions. Fortunately for the residents of Tallahassee, Florida, the establishment is still operating as Hurricane Helene approaches.

“At the moment, we’re taking a wait-and-see approach,” stated Njeri Boss, vice president of food safety and public relations, in a conversation with the Tallahassee Democrat, part of the YSL News Network, following a virtual meeting. “We’ll be keeping an eye on the situation throughout the day, all night, and in the days to come.”

The “Waffle House Index,” a term introduced by Craig Fugate, who is known as Florida’s “Master of Disasters” due to his role as director of emergency management, serves as a safety measure. It not only acts as a crisis response indicator for emergency services but also provides communities with a straightforward way to evaluate the level of disaster impact.

A red indicator, which represents the highest severity on the three-level scale, signifies that the restaurant is unsafe, access roads are impassable, and there is a loss of water and electricity. Boss mentioned that due to the unpredictable trajectory of Helene, no closures have been decided for any local locations at this time.

According to Boss, this may evolve later on Thursday, with local management having the ultimate authority to decide on closures.