Hurricane Helene Strengthens to Category 4, Threatens Florida’s Northwest Coast

Florida, USA – Hurricane Helene intensified into a Category 4 storm on Thursday, ahead of its anticipated landfall on Florida’s northwest coast. Forecasters and authorities have warned that the storm could create a ‘nightmare’ scenario for local residents. The state is already experiencing widespread power outages, with over 500,000 homes and businesses in Florida going dark, and the numbers are rising with every passing hour.

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Helene has also prompted flash flood warnings, extending far beyond the coast into northern Georgia and western North Carolina. States of emergency have been declared in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, and Virginia. Meanwhile, a tornado watch has been issued for much of Florida and southeastern Georgia, according to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee. The affected areas include Tampa, the Gulf Coast, and the Big Bend, where Helene is expected to make landfall.

Several social media users and storm chasers have posted videos of flooding, storm surge, and tornadoes on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency in Alabama on Thursday. The National Hurricane Center has described Hurricane Helene as unusually large, with expected far-ranging impacts beyond Florida’s Big Bend.

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“I am closely tracking Hurricane Helene, and my team is in touch with state and local officials on the ground and ready to support. I urge everyone in and near the path of Helene to listen to local officials and follow evacuation warnings. Take this seriously, and be safe,” President Biden said.

According to weather agencies, Category 4 hurricanes sustain winds over 130 mph (209 kph), which can severely damage homes, snap trees, and down power lines.

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