Gadsden County Department of Emergency Management has issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents living in mobile homes and those prone to flooding.
Director Tashonda Whaley said Wednesday that those residents should take shelter in one of their designated emergency facilities.
"Gadsden County residents must take this storm seriously," Whaley said in a statement.
"Helene is expected to have a devastating impact Gadsden County and pose a life-threatening and catastrophic threat, similar to Hurricane Michael in 2018."
Shelter transportation will be provided by Gadsden County School Transportation and Big Bend Transits to Gadsden County residents from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The following shelters will open today at 4 p.m. in Quincy:
- Gadsden County High School (General) 27001 Blue Star Highway Havana, FL 32333
- Gadsden County High School (Special Needs and Pets) 27001 Blue Star Highway Havana, FL 32333
- West Gadsden Middle (General) 200 Providence Rd Quincy, FL 32351