Helene reaches hurricane status as it targets Florida with life-threatening storm surge ahead of landfall: Live updates

Storm Helene has reached hurricane strength with 80 mph sustained winds, the National Weather Service announced moments ago.

The hurricane will likely reach Category 3 before it makes landfall in Florida on Thursday.

The storm is likely to bring “life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flooding rains to a large portion of Florida and the southeastern United States,” according to the NWS.

Storm Helene, which is expected to strengthen to Category 3 today, will batter Florida as the state continues recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian, a devastating storm that hit in 2022.

Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa, Florida, two years ago. Meanwhile, Helene is set to make landfall slightly north, near Florida’s Big Bend region.

Hurricane Ian is the costliest to ever hit Florida and the third-costliest in US history.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided $1.15 billion for 387,139 households to assist with home repairs, lodging expenses, rent payments and other needs.

The agency also allocated $2.3 billion to reimburse state, local and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations for storm-related costs.

Florida’s emergency chief, Kevin Guthrie, warned the effects of Helene will be far-reaching.

“Tropical storm force winds can be filled up to 250 miles from the center,” Guthrie explained at a Wednesday morning press conference

“Tornadoes are probable and high winds, life-threatening storm surge and flooding cannot be ruled out,” he added.

Guthrie urged residents to keep their devices on to receive emergency alerts and to have an evacuation plan in place.

Tropical Storm Helene is set to strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane today as it approaches Florida.

The storm will make landfall on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, bringing powerful winds, floods and life-threatening storm surge as thousands evacuate.

Florida’s Big Bend will see the worst of the storm surge, with up to 15 feet possible this week.

Miami Fire Rescue’s search and rescue team Task Force 2 has been deployed, as its 80-member team were on standby with equipment and supplies in its warehouse on Wednesday morning.

Task Force 2 which specializes in swift water rescue and disaster response.

Equipped with SUVs, box trucks, tractors and boats loaded with food and medical supplies, the unit will head to Orlando where it will be stationed until the storm passes.

“We are expecting a Category 3 (hurricane) to enter through the Big Bend, not exactly sure where it’s going to enter, but on the west coast and as you see the storm surge is the biggest concern. So we have water specialists who are specially trained for swift water rescues to help the victims,” he told CBS News.