Deadly Helena Storm Will Hit Florida, Residents Along The Coast Asked To Immediately Evacuate

JAKARTA - Florida is preparing to face the arrival of Hurricane Helene today, which is expected to be a powerful Category 4 storm hitting the state's territory.

Officials issued a dire warning, begging residents in coastal areas along the storm route to evacuate before the devastating winds and potentially deadly storm waves.

The wall of seawater is pushed ashore by hurricanes, which can rise up to 20 feet (6.1 meters). meters) in some places.

"This is not an event that can survive for those in coastal or lowland areas," said Jared Miller, sheriff of Wakulla Regency, where Helene is expected to land.

"Please pay attention to the existing evacuation orders because time is running out to do so."

Helene roared across the Gulf of Mexico, taking power from warm seawater. It is expected to land in Florida panhandle late Thursday, packing wind speeds sustainable up to 156 miles per hour (251 km per hour), weather forecasters said.

"For those on the track, unfortunately, it means a devastating wind impact," said Deputy Director of the National Storm Center Jamie Rhome.