Hurricane Helene: Florida Big Bend braces for 'catastrophic' wind speeds

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis provides update on Hurricane Helene as the storm is expected to reach Category 4 winds once it makes landfall in Tallahassee.

Hurricane Helene is rapidly intensifying into a dangerous Category 4 hurricane before landfall in Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center. Meteorologists say the storm's massive size and intensity will lead to devastating impacts for Florida and Georgia.

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee forecast storm surges of up to 20 feet.

“This forecast, if realized, is a nightmare surge scenario for Apalachee Bay,” the NWS said. “Please, please, please take any evacuation orders seriously!"

Atlanta, Georgia: Helene could be the worst strike on a major Southern inland city in 35 years, according to the University of Georgia professor Marshall Shepard.

Helene marks the eighth named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane season, which began on June 1st. Officials are also tracking Tropical Storm Isaac, which formed on Wednesday in the Atlantic and is expected to strengthen as it moves east.

Raw and unfiltered. Watch a non-stop stream of breaking news, live events and stories across the nation. Limited commentary. No opinion. Experience LiveNOW from FOX.

[jallen]

It should be against the law to leave a defenseless pet behind.

[LifeinUs]

PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ANY PETS BEHIND ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

[lynnrieger]

It’s sad when they have to tell people not to leave your pets behind. 🤔

[utopianseeker]

It should be a crime to leave your pets behind.

[debbiependleton]

Should be against the law for anyone who leaves their pets behind. Govn DeSantis please put that law into the books for Florida.

[debbiehuston]

Praying for all of people in the impact of the hurricane 🌀 🙏🙏

[FVWhimsy]

People who leave pets behind should be charged...there's no reason when we've all seen this storm coming for almost 2 weeks.

[serenitybutterfly]

The problem is people thinking that their pet is just a pet. If you own one it is part of your family, PERIOD! It goes with you in these cases ss your children, husband, etc.

[PM-zbjm]

Thank you, Governor DeSantis! You and your team are doing an awesome job of taking care of us. Good and helpful information in these updates. We are praying for you! ❤

[dawnwasconis]

Yet, people continue to build homes along the coast or on the beach.

[DeannaClark-oout]

We humans have taken away their ability to hunt and chase game to eat, we have a responsibility to God to keep them safe and take them with us when evacuating. We slept outdoors with our big dogs during Floyd and it was a blast.

[roberthouston]

God Bless The great state of Florida, and God Bless our Governor! 🇺🇸

[DeeDee-ilzk]

If i couldn't take my doggies, I wouldn't be leaving, period!!

[mattdelany]

I told you a year ago to get an r.v. When the hurricane comes, drive away, and then come back.

[nourhouda]

May God protect our brothers over there 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Prayers going to you 🙏 From Phoenix Arizona 🙏🙏🙏

[Wheelgauge-btox]

If you plan to leave your pets behind just stay put!

[franklinhernandez]

Not only have you made the American people that live in Florida not have their dream but it's in almost unaffordable to live in Florida it cost like the same as living in New York no one can afford anything and then to have this happen every year I wouldn't mind it when it was cheap to live there because at least that would make it worthwhile

[jackiemansfield]

My “pet” is my son who I rescued 5 years ago when he was about 4. Today, he is around 9 and is the love of my life. He would be the first one to go with me in an emergency, as nothing else really matters.

[renee]

I Will Always Love Gov. DeSantis for Consistently telling people to NOT Leave their Pets ❤❤❤. Thank you !!!

[tobybigham]

Rule of thumb. Plan for the absolute worst, and most likely expect much better. But treat every weather emergency like it is real. Even if you are only getting the outer bands.