Hurricane Helene is forecast to make landfall along Florida's Big Bend area on Thursday, potentially as a Category 3 hurricane with winds reaching up to 115 mph .
Hurricane Helene Approaches Florida
In anticipation of Helene's impact, President Biden has approved an emergency declaration for Florida, enabling federal assistance to support state and local response efforts .
Emergency Declarations in Florida
Sarasota County has announced a Level A evacuation order for certain neighborhoods, urging residents to stay alert and prepared as conditions worsen .
Evacuation Orders Issued
As Helene approaches, there is a risk of tornadoes forming in the outer bands of the storm on Wednesday and Thursday .
Potential Tornado Activity
Helene is expected to make landfall late Thursday night, between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. ET, bringing significant impacts across the region .
Forecasted Landfall Timing
Hurricane warnings have been issued for the Panhandle, Big Bend, and Gulf Coast regions of Florida, with tropical storm warnings extending from Naples to Orlando .
Hurricane Warnings in Effect
The storm is anticipated to produce life-threatening storm surges of 10 to 15 feet in the Big Bend area and 4 to 8 feet in Tampa Bay, alongside heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding .
Severe Weather Predictions
Florida A&M University and Florida State University have canceled classes and closed campuses ahead of the storm, with public schools in multiple counties also shutting down .
School and University Closures
Helene is predicted to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane as it moves over warm Gulf waters, which are currently at record-high temperatures due to climate change .
Rapid Intensification Expected
The large size of Helene means that its impacts will extend far beyond the center of the storm, affecting much of Florida and parts of the Southeastern U.S. after landfall .
Widespread Impact Beyond Landfall