By Sagar Ram Rane 
The latest update from the Helene hurricane tracker is that Hurricane Helene is now rapidly intensifying and is estimated to make landfall near the Florida Gulf Coast by Thursday. This storm is currently targeting the Big Bend region of Florida and experts say it could become a major hurricane.
The biggest concerns about this storm are storm surge and flooding. Storm surge water level could reach 10-15 feet, which could be very dangerous for coastal areas. Evacuation orders have been announced in several regions of the Gulf Coast along with Florida, and local authorities have alerted people to make their homes safe (FOXWeather)(FOX Weather).
Meteorologists have predicted that heavy rainfall is possible with Hurricane Helene, with 4-8 inches of rain and up to 12 inches of rainfall possible in isolated areas. Flash flooding and river flooding are also a risk(UF Emergency). Sandbagging, stocking emergency supplies and evacuating coastal regions have already begun in several cities of (FOX Weather).
The storm’s wind field is also increasing, and tropical storm-force winds could spread up to 175 miles(UF Emergency). According to the Helene hurricane tracker, the storm will make landfall around sunset on Thursday(FOX Weather).
For now, local residents are advised to keep essential supplies in their homes, follow evacuation orders and keep checking the latest updates. In some areas of Florida, grocery store shelves have already been emptied, and long lines have been seen at gas stations(FOX Weather).