SUMMARY: Hurricane Elen is impacting the Big Bend region of Florida, with water from the Gulf of Mexico breaching the seawall. Authorities are bracing for an unprecedented storm surge of 15 to 20 feet. The mayor is urging residents to evacuate, highlighting the danger posed by the storm. The region is still recovering from Hurricane Adalia, which destroyed about 20% of homes last year. With predictions that Elen could be more devastating, there is increasing concern for the community’s safety.

Florida’s Big Bend region already feeling the effects from Hurricane Helene.

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SUMMARY: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged residents along the Big Bend to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Helene, expected to make landfall as a Category 3 storm with winds over 115 mph. He emphasized the urgency, advising Tallahassee residents to take the threat seriously despite a slight change in the storm’s path. Authorities are prepared with National Guardsmen, Florida Highway Patrol, and DOT workers ready to assist post-storm. DeSantis highlighted disaster response funds and warned electric vehicle owners of fire hazards due to saltwater intrusion. Major airports in the area have closed, and debris removal and bridge inspections will follow the storm.

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SUMMARY: Meteorologists discussed Hurricane Helen and the crucial data gathered by the hurricane hunters flying into its eye using a P-3 Orion aircraft, affectionately nicknamed “Miss Piggy.” This data helps the National Hurricane Center improve storm forecasts, revealing Helen’s winds at 90 mph and potential for strengthening to a category 3 or 4 hurricane before landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region. Central Florida can expect tropical storm-force winds, heavy rain, and possible tornado warnings this afternoon. The storm surge could reach 20 feet in some areas, leading to significant impacts, including power outages. Residents are advised to stay alert and prepare.

Hurricane Helene is strengthening and is expected to bring catastrophic winds and storm surge to the northeastern Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to make landfall near the Tallahassee area on Thursday evening/night, the latest forecast track shows.

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