Tropical Storm Helene to Intensify, Threaten Florida with Severe Hurricane

Tropical Storm Helene is anticipated to cause mudslides and flooding in Cuba before escalating to a major hurricane as it impacts Florida with dangerous storm surges. Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency, urging evacuations. The storm may also affect Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

Tropical Storm Helene is forecasted to trigger mudslides and flooding in Cuba before intensifying into a major hurricane by Thursday, posing a significant threat to Florida with life-threatening storm surge, according to the U.S. National Weather Service.

Florida's panhandle and west coast residents have been advised to brace for damaging winds and storm surge. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency across most counties, leading to mandatory evacuations in flood-prone areas.

Climate scientists attribute the increased frequency and severity of Florida's hurricanes to global warming. The storm is expected to move northward later in the week, potentially causing isolated flash floods in Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, per the weather service's forecast.

Meanwhile, U.S. oil companies were hurriedly evacuating staff from Gulf of Mexico production platforms as the storm approached on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies.)