Helene Forces Evacuations, Over 600,000 Without Power

Hurricane Helene has intensified to a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center's 9 p.m. ET update. This significant increase from the 130 mph reported earlier places the storm just shy of Category 5 status.

The storm is nearing landfall near Florida's Big Bend region, and its powerful winds are already causing widespread power outages across the state. Over 600,000 Florida residents are currently without electricity.

In response to the impending storm, President Biden has approved an emergency declaration for Alabama to provide federal assistance for recovery efforts. The declaration authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide aid to those affected by the storm.  

Evacuations and Damage

Many residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, and schools in Leon County, including Tallahassee, have been converted into shelters. Over 1,600 evacuees and staff members, as well as 234 pets, are currently being housed in these shelters.