Hurricane Helene slammed into northwestern Florida late Thursday as a Category 4 monster, packing winds of up to 150 mph and threatening a 'catastrophic' storm surge capable of reshaping coastlines. Thousands fled inland as officials issued urgent evacuation orders, warning residents: 'This is not a drill.'
💥 Key Updates:
Helene is the strongest September hurricane to hit the region since records began
Over 300,000 homes already without power as winds toppled trees
Social media flooded with videos of waves swallowing beaches
Emergency shelters at 85% capacity before landfall
Meteorologists compare its sudden intensification to 2023's Hurricane Ian, which caused $112 billion in damage. Climate scientists note warmer Gulf waters are fueling stronger storms – a trend worrying insurance companies and coastal communities alike. 🌡️
Stay tuned for live updates as rescue teams mobilize at first light. #StormSurgeAwareness
