Hurricane Helene: Unleashing Chaos Across the Southeastern US

Hurricane Helene, upgraded to a Category 2 storm, is threatening Florida's northwest coast with a potentially 'unsurvivable' storm surge, high winds, and heavy rains. The governors of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas have declared emergencies. Extensive preparations are underway as the storm's impacts are expected to reach far inland.

Fast-moving Hurricane Helene is advancing across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, posing a catastrophic threat to the state's northwestern parts with an 'unsurvivable' storm surge, forecasters said Thursday.

Helene has been upgraded to a Category 2 storm and is expected to become a major hurricane upon its landfall on Florida's northwestern coast by Thursday evening. Emergency declarations have been issued by the governors of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

Expected to make landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, the storm could bring storm surges up to 20 feet, especially in Apalachee Bay, which forecasters warn could be catastrophic. High winds, heavy rains, and flash floods pose additional risks far inland.

(With inputs from agencies.)