Tropical Storm Helene to hit U.S., these are the counties most at risk

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Tropical Storm Helene is intensifying and is expected to become a hurricane as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico, with landfall anticipated along Florida’s coast on Thursday. The National Hurricane Center has warned of hurricane-force winds affecting parts of Florida’s Big Bend area. Residents in the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region are urged to complete preparations to safeguard lives and property by early Thursday, when severe weather conditions are likely to begin.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 61 of the state’s 67 counties, particularly across the Panhandle, in response to Helene’s anticipated impact. The storm is predicted to grow in size, with its effects, such as storm surges, flooding, and strong winds, potentially reaching hundreds of miles from its center. Helene’s speed as it crosses the coast could also result in strong winds reaching further inland across the southeastern U.S. after landfall.

### Counties under State of Emergency:
– Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, Washington.

### Current Warnings and Watches:
– **Hurricane Warning**: Anclote River to Mexico Beach, Florida (Hurricane conditions expected within 36 hours)
– **Hurricane Watch**: Hurricane conditions possible within 48 hours
– **Storm Surge Warning**: Indian Pass to Flamingo, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor (Life-threatening flooding expected)
– **Tropical Storm Warning**: Dry Tortugas, Florida Keys, and parts of Florida’s west coast including Tampa Bay (Winds of 39-73 mph expected within 36 hours)
– **Tropical Storm Watch**: Georgia and South Carolina coast north of St. Mary’s River (Tropical storm conditions possible within 48 hours)

Helene’s increasing size and strength mean widespread impacts, including storm surges and inland flooding. Residents are advised to stay informed and take appropriate precautions as the storm approaches.