Florida's Gulf Coast communities are in a state of emergency this Tuesday as they prepare for the expected arrival of Cyclone "Helene," which is forecasted to reach the state as a major hurricane by Thursday.
Out of Florida's 67 counties, 61 are currently under a state of emergency declared by Governor Ron DeSantis. In a press conference, DeSantis urged residents to take necessary precautions and evacuate if they live in high-risk areas.
"We're going to see significant impacts, no matter what," warned DeSantis about the cyclone, which is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a dangerous storm surge, with the Gulf Coast facing sea levels rising up to 15 feet (4.5 meters).
Out of Florida's 67 counties, 61 are currently under a state of emergency declared by Governor Ron DeSantis. In a press conference, DeSantis urged residents to take necessary precautions and evacuate if they live in high-risk areas.
"We're going to see significant impacts, no matter what," warned DeSantis about the cyclone, which is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a dangerous storm surge, with the Gulf Coast facing sea levels rising up to 15 feet (4.5 meters).
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In counties such as Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco, classes have been canceled on Wednesday and Thursday due to Tropical Storm "Helene," which currently has maximum sustained winds of 46 mph (75 km/h).
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that "Helene" is expected to strengthen rapidly and continuously, and it could become a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale (which tops out at five) within 48 hours, just as it nears landfall in Florida.
"Helene," the ninth tropical cyclone of the current Atlantic hurricane season, is located about 175 miles (280 km) south of the western tip of Cuba this Tuesday afternoon and is expected to move over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, fueling its intensification.
White House spokesperson Jeremy Edwards stated that President Joe Biden is monitoring the trajectory of "Helene," which is expected to affect Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee once it makes landfall in Florida. The president has ordered the deployment of emergency personnel, first responders, and the delivery of food, water, and power generators.
Governor DeSantis confirmed that up to 3,000 members of the Florida National Guard are ready to assist in areas affected by "Helene," which is expected to be a large hurricane impacting a significant portion of the state.
Local media have shown images of residents collecting sandbags and beginning to evacuate.
Tampa General Hospital has erected a 10-foot (3-meter) barrier as a protective measure against potential flooding, according to ABC. The NHC predicts the system could make landfall in northwest Florida, in the area known as Big Bend, where Hurricane "Debby," a Category 1 storm, made landfall last August.
In the same region last August, the powerful Hurricane "Idalia," a Category 3 storm, significantly intensified over the Gulf of Mexico within 24 hours, made landfall, and caused historic flooding that reached as far as Tampa.
If it becomes a hurricane, "Helene" will be the fifth to form in the current Atlantic season, which is expected to be above average in activity, and the fourth to make landfall in the United States, if it impacts Florida as predicted.
In counties such as Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco, classes have been canceled on Wednesday and Thursday due to Tropical Storm "Helene," which currently has maximum sustained winds of 46 mph (75 km/h).
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that "Helene" is expected to strengthen rapidly and continuously, and it could become a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale (which tops out at five) within 48 hours, just as it nears landfall in Florida.
"Helene," the ninth tropical cyclone of the current Atlantic hurricane season, is located about 175 miles (280 km) south of the western tip of Cuba this Tuesday afternoon and is expected to move over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, fueling its intensification.
White House spokesperson Jeremy Edwards stated that President Joe Biden is monitoring the trajectory of "Helene," which is expected to affect Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee once it makes landfall in Florida. The president has ordered the deployment of emergency personnel, first responders, and the delivery of food, water, and power generators.
Governor DeSantis confirmed that up to 3,000 members of the Florida National Guard are ready to assist in areas affected by "Helene," which is expected to be a large hurricane impacting a significant portion of the state.
Local media have shown images of residents collecting sandbags and beginning to evacuate.
Tampa General Hospital has erected a 10-foot (3-meter) barrier as a protective measure against potential flooding, according to ABC. The NHC predicts the system could make landfall in northwest Florida, in the area known as Big Bend, where Hurricane "Debby," a Category 1 storm, made landfall last August.
In the same region last August, the powerful Hurricane "Idalia," a Category 3 storm, significantly intensified over the Gulf of Mexico within 24 hours, made landfall, and caused historic flooding that reached as far as Tampa.
If it becomes a hurricane, "Helene" will be the fifth to form in the current Atlantic season, which is expected to be above average in activity, and the fourth to make landfall in the United States, if it impacts Florida as predicted.