Wed Sep 25 09:17:13 UTC 2024: ## Hurricane Helene Shifts West, Threatening Florida’s Big Bend
**Tallahassee, FL** – Hurricane Helene, a rapidly intensifying storm, is expected to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Thursday evening, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm’s path has shifted slightly westward, with the center now projected to hit around 7 p.m. on Thursday.
While the storm’s center is not expected to directly impact southwest Florida, the large system will bring significant impacts well outside the cone, including strong winds and heavy rainfall. The NHC warns that the Big Bend could experience damaging hurricane-force winds, and coastal areas could see significant storm surge, with some locations potentially experiencing 10 to 15 feet of flooding.
The NWS has issued a Hurricane Warning for portions of the Florida coast, and urges residents to complete any necessary preparations to protect life and property by early Thursday. Evacuation orders have been issued for several counties along the coast, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has urged residents to heed all warnings and evacuation orders from officials.
The storm is predicted to continue northwards through Georgia and Alabama on Friday, bringing heavy rains to the region. Tallahassee is expected to receive up to 8 inches of rain, while parts of the panhandle, southern Georgia, and Alabama could see 4 to 6 inches.
The NHC warns that the storm could cause flash flooding across Florida, the Southeast, southern Appalachians, and the Tennessee Valley. The risk of landslides across the southern Appalachians is also high, and widespread river flooding is likely.
Florida officials have already mobilized nearly 18,000 linemen to prepare for potential power outages, along with search and rescue and roadway clearing crews. As Hurricane Helene approaches, the state continues to monitor the situation and urges residents to stay informed and prepared.
First Piper 