Hurricane Helene is expected to become a Category 4 hurricane with catastrophic winds up to 156 mph as it approaches Florida’s Big Bend area. People are urged to stay off roads as strong winds and rain will start affecting the area today. Do not underestimate this hurricane – it is expected to rapidly intensify today. Even if you live further inland, deadly storm surge and floods are real risks, as well as excessive and damaging winds. Heed the warnings of local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so. Find shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767). Know your zone, know where to go, and have a plan. FEMA and federal partners have deployed roughly 1,100 staff to support the initial response efforts, and additional staff, supplies and equipment are in place and ready. Residents in Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina need to continue to pay close attention – Helene's impacts will extend well beyond Florida – follow the guidance of your local officials. You can find more information and resources on how to stay safe before, during, and after the storm at Ready.gov or in Spanish at Listo.gov.
Hurricane Helene is expected to strengthen today as it approaches Florida's Big Bend area.
It could become a Category 4 hurricane with catastrophic winds up to 156 miles per hour.
It is expected to make landfall late tonight and into early tomorrow morning.
Please stay off the roads as strong winds and rain will start affecting the area today.
Do not dismiss the urgency of this storm. Even if you live further inland,
deadly storm surge and floods are real risk as well as excessive and damaging winds.
Please listen to the warnings of local officials and evacuate immediately if told to do so.
Know your evacuation zone. Know where to go and have a plan.
You can find shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Residents in Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina need to continue to pay close attention
as Helene's impacts will extend well beyond Florida.
Anyone in the storm's path should sign up for local weather alerts,
pay attention to the guidance of local officials and download the FEMA app for updates.
Stay out of floodwaters. This storm is expected to create dangerous storm surge.
People experiencing heavy rain and flooding should not walk through floodwaters.
Turn around. Don't drown. Be safe during an outage. If the power goes out,
use only flashlights or battery-powdered lanterns for emergency lighting.
If there is a power outage, use generators safely. Always use them outdoors and at least 20 feet
from windows, doors and attached garages. Make sure to keep the generator dry and protected from
rain or flooding. Remember that your neighbors can be your lifeline. If it is safe to do so,
check on your neighbors, especially older adults or those who may need additional assistance.
FEMA, together with the state of Florida and other federal partners, is actively supporting
Hurricane Helene response efforts. More than 1,000 staff are deployed to support the initial
response efforts and additional staff, supplies and equipment are in place and ready. You can
find more information and resources on how to stay safe before, during and after the storm
at ready.gov or in Spanish at listo.gov.
