Hurricane Helene is strengthening rapidly as it tracks toward Florida and the Southeast, with maximum sustained winds now at 105 mph. The National Hurricane Center has forecast the Category 2 storm to make landfall in Florida tonight, potentially bringing devastating storm surges of 15 to 20 feet. Authorities are warning of "life-threatening" conditions, prompting millions to brace for impact. More than 40 million people across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama are under hurricane and tropical storm warnings. Residents in Northwest Florida are making urgent preparations as Helene approaches Category 3 strength. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the state during a press conference from the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, urging citizens to stay vigilant as the storm intensifies.
