"Gargantuan" Hurricane Helene could carry "catastrophic and lethal storm surge" to elements of Florida Gulf Coast

"Gargantuan" Hurricane Helene could bring "catastrophic and deadly storm surge" to parts of Florida Gulf Coast

Hurricane Helene is strengthening mainly because it moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico towards a forecast Thursday night or early Friday morning landfall about Florida's Large Bend Coastline and is "anticipated to convey catastrophic winds and storm surge for the northeastern Gulf Coastline," the Countrywide Hurricane Center explained early Thursday. "Preparations to shield lifestyle and residence should be rushed to completion," the center urged.

The National Weather Service warned in a post on X that, "A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely alongside parts of your Florida Large Bend coast, the place inundation could access as high as 20 feet previously mentioned ground stage, coupled with destructive waves. There is certainly also a Threat of lifetime-threatening storm surge together the rest of your west Coastline of your Florida Peninsula. Residents in These locations must comply with assistance supplied by area officers and evacuate if instructed to take action."