Helene is now officially a tropical storm. As it makes its way into the Gulf, Governor Ron DeSantis is warning residents in the Big Bend and eastern Panhandle to be prepared for a direct hit. The governor says forecasters are calling for a major hurricane. But he says just how strong the storm gets could be determined by the path it takes.
“I think most people would say the further East it tracks it’s not going to have as much runway to get as much intensity," DeSantis says. "The further west it tracks it’s got that runway. The more it goes due north from where it is now, then you’re looking at more significant rapid intensification. So there’s a range of possibilities here.”
The governor says whether the storm moves east or west will also have an impact on what effect the Tallahassee area could face.
"If it goes further east—we've been through these tracks the last two years—you get on that weak side of the storm, it's not like you would never see an impact, but it's much different than if you get a direct hit or you're on the east side of the storm."
The governor says there's still a lot of uncertainty in the forecast, but he says everyone should be prepared for the possibility of long-term power outages and road closures caused by downed trees and debris. He urges those along low lying coastal areas to prepare for storm surge and to follow any evacuation orders. Some orders in areas of Franklin and Gulf Counties have already been issued.
Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie says now is the time to ensure your family has the supplies it needs. He says that includes extra medicines and enough food and water for seven days. He also encourages everyone with less than half a tank to top off their gas.
"Half right now is the new empty," Gurthrie says. "When you get to halfway go ahead and fill it up. This is going to reduce the run at gas stations and reduce the wait time."
Guthrie says it's important to keep electric vehicles charged as well. And he says as the storm heads toward the state it's important for everyone to stay informed.
