"Most Powerful Storm" in Written History to Hit Tallahassee

As Hurricane Helene continues to batter Florida as a now powerful Category 4, officials in Tampa and surrounding areas are once again emphasizing the importance of heeding warnings and staying safe.

Mayor Jane Castor warned that the city is already "in the throes of the hurricane," with storm surge and wind gusts expected to worsen.

Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis stated Helene is expected to make landfall around 11 p.m. ET. It is expected to strike between the Wakulla-Jefferson County line and Taylor County, in the state's Big Bend region.

State of Emergency Declared