The U.S. National Hurricane Center forecasts that Hurricane Helene will reach catastrophic Category 4 strength.
Helene may be the strongest hurricane to hit the U.S. in the past year.
“A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast, where inundation could reach as high as 20 feet above ground level. Preparations to protect life and property should be completed by early Thursday,” the center said.
Rapidly intensifying hurricanes like Helene are becoming more frequent under global warming due to fossil fuel pollution.
Wind speeds in the hurricane are expected to reach at least 130 mph.
It may hit not only Florida, but much of the Southeast.
Thousands of Florida residents have been forced to evacuate.
