Helene strengthens to Category 3 hurricane as it churns toward Florida

Hurricane Helene could cause a "nightmare" scenario of catastrophic storm surge in northwestern Florida, officials warned Thursday as they urged residents to heed evacuation orders ahead of the enormous storm, which is expected to cause significant damage hundreds of kilometres inland across much of the southeastern U.S.

Helene strengthens to Category 3 hurricane as it churns toward Florida
The Gulf of Mexico's water pushes up against the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

Hurricane Helene could cause a "nightmare" scenario of catastrophic storm surge in northwestern Florida, officials warned Thursday as they urged residents to heed evacuation orders ahead of the enormous storm, which is expected to cause significant damage hundreds of kilometres inland across much of the southeastern U.S.