Lake Charles, LA – Hurricane Helene has officially formed and is now on course for the Florida Panhandle, with landfall expected by Thursday evening. The National Hurricane Center confirmed Helene’s upgrade from tropical storm status earlier today as the storm gains strength in the Gulf of Mexico.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service, Hurricane Helene is expected to strengthen further as it approaches the Florida coast. Coastal areas should prepare for strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous rip currents. Officials warn that severe impacts could begin late tonight, with conditions worsening through Friday morning.
Residents of the Florida Panhandle are urged to monitor updates and take precautions. Potential threats include flooding and power outages, with the worst effects likely to occur near the point of landfall. Authorities are advising people to secure their homes and avoid coastal waters due to dangerous currents.
With Helene intensifying, local officials emphasize the importance of being storm-ready.
