Authorities are rescuing people trapped by floodwaters and more than 3 million customers are without electricity across much of the southeastern U.S. as Hurricane Helene weakens to a tropical storm over Georgia early Friday.

The storm made landfall in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm overnight amid warnings from the National Hurricane Center that the enormous system could create a "nightmare" storm surge.

There were at least three storm-related deaths. Hurricane warnings and flash flood warnings extend far beyond the coast up into northern Georgia and western North Carolina.

>>Read the full story from The Associated Press.

Thousands were without power in Central Florida Friday morning after Helene smashed through the Big Bend area overnight as a massive Category 4 hurricane and sent bands of rain and high wind across the state.

As of 7:30 a.m., Marion County, the area county most affected, had about 44,000 customers out, according to poweroutage.us.

Lake County had more than 7,000 without power, Orange nearly 9,000, and Volusia more than 11,00 without electricity

Statewide, 1.2 million customers were without power.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in northwest Florida's Taylor county as a Category 4 storm just after 11:00 p.m.

As it moved closer to landfall along Florida's Big Bend, Helene continued to strengthen rapidly. According to the National Hurricane Center's 11:00 p.m. update, the storm measured 140 mph maximum sustained winds.

Ahead of landfall, a "catastrophic and deadly storm surge" was occurring along the Big Bend coast, which could reach 20 feet above ground level, along with destructive waves.

Helene's far-reaching wind field extend far beyond its eye, promoting the extension of a Tornado Watch for all of Central Florida through 6:00 a.m. Friday.

Helene is expect to follow a northward track overnight, taking the center of the storm from southern to northern Georgia through early Friday morning.

FPREN's Tim Miller said the storm could maintain some if its intensity, possibly moving through Central and North Georgia as a Category 2 storm — an extraordinary intensity for a storm so far inland.

As it continues north, Helene is expected to bring catastrophic, life-threating and historic flash and urban flooding across portions of the southern Appalachians through Friday.

Hurricane Helene remains a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph, according to the 8 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center.

While the eye of the storm is offshore, Central Florida continues to feel the effects of the storms outer bands. A tornado warning for all of Central Florida has been exteneded until 6:00 a.m. Friday.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.

Forecasters said the storm is "extremely dangerous" and will bring "catastrophic storm surge and life-threatening winds" to the Florida Bug Bend area.

Helene is moving to the north-northeast near 29 mph, with landfall expected later this evening.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station caught a view of Hurricane Helene Thursday afternoon from above as the crew orbited overhead.

The International Space Station flew over Hurricane Helene at 2:25 p.m. EDT Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. The orbital view shows the immense size of Hurricane Helene as it makes its way through the Gulf of Mexico.

The National Hurricane Centers said Helene has strengthened to an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 hurricane.

A NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft found that the maximum sustained winds have increased to 130 mph.

Landfall along the Big Bend is expected later tonight, bringing life threatening winds and storm surge as the storm moves ashore.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service Melbourne said rainbands associated with the storm will continue to affect the Central Florida region, with observed gusts of 40-50 mph.

A tornado threat continues through 8 p.m., but that could be extend this evening.

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Florida Channel

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke around 5:45 p.m. Thursday from Tallahassee’s Emergency Management Center, ahead of Helene’s anticipated landfall in Taylor County as a Category 3 or Category 4 hurricane sometime around 11 p.m.

DeSantis urged anybody under evacuation orders in Florida to abide by those orders immediately.

“Right now, in the Big Bend areas, you actually still have time to evacuate,” DeSantis said, although that time was limited. He added for other parts of the state, like the Tampa area, it was already likely too late.

“If you’re sheltering in place in one of those evacuation zones, make sure you let people know that you’re doing that,” DeSantis said. “Whether it’s a friend, a family member. I know some of the counties say you can check in with them and give them that information, if you’re comfortable doing that.”

Once severe weather conditions do hit, it’s critical to not venture out onto roadways. Executive Director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management Kevin Guthrie reminded listeners Thursday to never, ever drive through high water.

“Floodwaters are hard to navigate during the day, but even harder to see at night,” Guthrie said. “You have no idea what’s going on underneath the water; please don’t drive through it.”

Seminole County Emergency Management is expecting conditions to worsen this evening as Hurricane Helene makes landfall.

The county’s government offices plan to resume normal operations Friday once the storm passes. This includes animal services, library branches, the Central transfer Station, trash collection, landfill and County boat ramps.

In addition to government offices, Seminole County’s public schools and Seminole State College will have normal operations Friday.

Seminole County’s Emergency Management advised residents to report any damages to the county using the non-emergency line: 407-665-5100.

As a reminder, the county urged residents to be aware of potential power lines that may come down during the storm.

If residents experience a power outage in their home and want to use a generator, the generator must be 20 feet away from the residence to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

In the 5 p.m. bulletin, the National Hurricane Center says Helene holds maximum sustained winds of 125 mph and is moving even faster at 23 mph to the north-northeast.

As the hurricane inches closer, a catastrophic and deadly storm surge will start along parts of the Panhandle and Big Bend. Large waves are already slamming against the West Coast of Florida, and waters will continue to rise as the storm moves northward.

>>Read more from FPREN

Power outages have doubled in the last two hours, and over 200,000 customers are now without power. Power outages will continue to increase across the state and will be widespread across the Panhandle.

Joe Byrnes

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Central Florida Public Media

Wind will quickly start to increase and penetrate across the Panhandle. Violent winds or at least 130 mph will affect the areas where the eye lands, especially to the right or east of the center.

A tornado watch remains in effect until 8 p.m in areas of the state north of Lake Okeechobee, including Central Florida.

Orlando International Airport remains open as Hurricane Helene treks northward along Florida's Gulf coast but dozens of flights have been cancelled — both arrivals and dpartures from MCO.

A number of airlines have made decisions to cancel flights for the day. As of 4:30 p.m., MCO reports 65 total cancellations, 31 arrivals and 34 departures.

Helene has closed airports along its path, including Tampa International.

Helene, now a Category 3 hurricane, is expected to make landfall Thursday night along Florda's Big Bend coast before moving north into Georgia and the Carolinas.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a major hub for southeast air travel, is in the path of the storm but remains open.

Orange County officials are urging residents to stay vigilant, as the National Weather Service is reporting the storm’s most significant period for the area will continue until 2 a.m.

"We are just now entering the phase where the winds are going to impact Orange County," said county emergency manager Lauraleigh Avery at a 3 p.m. briefing. "We’re hearing from the [National ]Weather Service, unfortunately the sun is out in some places, so people are gonna let their guard down, thinking everything’s over.”

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings echoed that call for residents to use caution.

"You gotta stay vigilant at this point. We do have some secondary, potential impacts, those of tornadoes. And so we wanna get through that period of time.”

The county will keep emergency shelters open until 7:30 a.m. Friday, likely closing afterwards.

Normal trash pickup will resume for county residents. Those who did not have their trash picked up today will get the service Saturday, instead.

Hurricane Helene has strengthened into a category 3 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Helene has maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, the NHC said in a 2:25 p.m. update after receiving confirmation from a U.S. Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft.

"This makes Hele a dangerous category 3 major hurricane," the NHC said. "Additional strengthening is expected before Helene makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend this evening."

Helene is about 170 miles west-southwest of Tampa and 205 miles south of Apalachicola.

According to the National Weather Service, the forecast for Central Florida remains the same with expected gusts between 50 and 60 mph. Central Florida remains under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. tonight.

With Hurricane Helene forecast to move away from Central Florida overnight, some schools in Central Florida have announced openings starting Friday.

BREVARD

Brevard Public Schools says all schools and offices will be open Friday, including after-school activities.

LAKE

Lake County Schools is planning on resuming operations Friday.

MARION

All schools are closed on Friday.

ORANGE

All schools will be open tomorrow. Principals will be monitoring the situation and also provide updates if there are campus concerns in the morning.

The University of Central Florida will be opening up classes at 6 a.m. Friday, according to a recent status update. UCF assignments and exams, including classes with online components, remain suspended until the campus reopens tomorrow.

UCF stated it recognized that students and faculty members may have family members who aren’t free from Hurricane Helene’s path yet and suggested considering compassion and support for families and towns that might be affected.

Valencia College says it plans to open on Friday.

OSCEOLA

The Osceola School District has a prescheduled holiday on Friday and will not be open. The closure is not related to the storm.

SEMINOLE

Seminole County Public Schools is anticipating that schools will be operating Friday.

Seminole State College will resume classes at 7 a.m. Friday.

SUMTER 

All schools are closed Friday and are expected to re-open on Monday.

VOLUSIA

Volusia County Schools announced that all schools and offices are planned to be open Friday.

Volusia County beach parks and facilities are closed as Hurricane Helene moves north through the Gulf of Mexico. Effects from the storm are widespread, creating higher-than-average tides and rip currents on Florida’s Atlantic coast.

Volusia says beach driving has also been suspended.

Volusia County Beach Safety is flying red flags, which indicate dangerous ocean conditions, and unsafe for swimming. Beach Safety anticipates that it will be flying the red flags over the next few days.

As Hurricane Helene stregthens in the Gulf of Mexico, Central Florida begins to feel effects from the outer bands of this large storm.

The National Weather Service Melbourne says outer band have begun to push through Central Florida, and expects conditions to further deteriorate this afternoon.

Tropical Storm Warnings and a Tornado Watch remain in effect.

Helene is a Category 2 storm with winds of 105 miles an hour. Moving northeastward at about 14 miles an hour, the core of the storm about 225 miles south and west of Tampa.

"The storm will continue to intensify, likely becoming a major hurricane, before it makes landfall over the Big Bend later this evening," says Megan Borowski, a meteorologists with the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network. "A tornado watch remains in effect from Panama City eastward through the entire Florida peninsula."

Director Michael Brennan of the National Hurricane Center provided an update on Hurricane Helene shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday.

"Helene," he said, "is an expansive storm with hazards that are already extending out hundreds of miles away from the center. And those hazards are going to play out in multiple life-threatening forms over the next 12 to 24 hours."

He said Helene is strengthening and getting better organized on the way to becoming a category 3 -- or even a category 4 -- hurricane and making landfall in the Big Bend area tonight.

Brennan focused on an "unsurvivable" storm surge along portions of the Gulf Coast, hurricane force winds that could penetrate well inland from landfall, and potential flooding up into north Georgia and western North and South Carolina.

He also detailed impacts on other parts of Florida, from potential tornadoes and high wind.

"The tropical storm force winds," he said, "extend out almost 350 miles from the center of Helene, affecting portions of the Florida Keys, Southwest Florida, Southeast Florida. And those winds are moving rapidly northward."

Florida Channel

Governor Ron DeSantis continues to urge anyone in the path of Hurricane Helene, which is expected to be a Category 4 by the time it makes landfall in Florida later today to evacuate.

The governor says the center of the storm could be trending more eastward than previously thought, which could bring less direct damage to the Capital.

But it still will be a historic storm.

"Now, this area has not had a major hurricane hit in quite some time, and certainly nobody in recent memory has seen a storm of this magnitude that has hit," said DeSantis.

He’s urging anyone in the direct path of the storm to seek shelter now.

“So we'll watch that. There's no guarantee that it's going to continue on that trend, but we have seen that slight trend, and that could potentially be very impactful, if you're talking another 30 or 40 miles to the east," said DeSantis.

Hurricane Helene is now a Category 2 storm but is expected to make landfall at Category 4 this evening. Areas across the state are expected to experience strong wind and rain throughout the day.

The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued tornado watches until 8 p.m. from Marion County southward.

Watch the governor's press conference here:

The National Weather Service in Melbourne says a tornado watch has been issued for all of the Florida peninsula from Marion County southward through 8 p.m. Thursday.

A watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes, according to the weather service. And it is urging Floridians to be ready to seek shelter if there's a tornado warning.

"Be sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings today!" the weather service advises in a Facebook post. There are many options, including Wireless Emergency Alerts on your cell phone.

High winds from Hurricane Helene have been reported all the way over on the opposite coast of Florida, the weather service said. "Fort Lauderdale Airport recently reported a 64 mph wind gust in an outer rainband."

>>Read the latest storm update from FPREN.

Forecasters say winds will increase throughout the day Thursday in Marion County, as Hurricane Helene races northward in the Gulf of Mexico toward Apalachicola.

In western Marion, including Dunnellon, a hurricane warning remains in effect Thursday morning. Most of Marion County, like all of Central Florida, is under a tropical storm warning.

The latest local forecasts from the National Weather Service predict winds of 25-35 mph in Marion County, with gusts up 55. But there's a potential for winds of 58 to 73 mph in western Marion and 39 to 57 mph in other parts of the county.

Winds are expected to increase steadily throughout the day, with the highest winds -- and gusts over 50 mph -- Thursday evening.

A flood watch remains in effect and the situation is favorable for tornadoes, according to the weather service. Western Marion could also see an additional 1-3 inches of rain.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office has a citizen information line at 352-369-7500. Residents may also wish to sign up for emergency alerts at www.alertmarion.com.

The Salvation Army Orlando Area Command

The Salvation Army Orlando Area Command has mobilized its emergency response team to Lakeland, in order to help with Helene recovery efforts there after the storm.

The Orlando-based team will use Lakeland as its central location for Helene recovery efforts on the West Coast of Florida.

Staff members will be deployed to the hardest-hit areas once roads are clear, and will set up canteens and rapid response units that can serve thousands of hot meals daily.

The group will also provide free clothes, financial assistance and spiritual care to families and individuals most impacted by the storm.

In a statement, Salvation Army Orlando Area Commander Major Ken Chapman says they remain, “ready to serve whenever and wherever the need arises.”

The Salvation Army Orlando Area Command

Florida Farm Share and Jet Blue

Florida’s largest independent food bank, says it has stationed 90,000 pounds of food and volunteers across the state to help with Hurricane Helene recovery.

Farm Share says the food, water and emergency supplies along with other necessities will be passed out to people living in any area hard hit by the storm.

Community relief efforts will begin once roads are clear and safe to drive on.

The group says it has plans to concentrate its efforts in the West Coast and Panhandle.

For more information click here.

Pexels

The state of Florida in partnership with Uber is offering free rides to hurricane shelters in areas that are under a state of emergency.

Governor Ron DeSantis says Floridians should avoid being on the roads once the weather begins to worsen because of Hurricane Helene.

The storm will be both a wind and water event, limbs of trees might be down, and flooding is likely.

In order to get the discount, use promo code #HeleneRelief.

Order your ride here.

Up-to-date information on shelters can be found here.

Many hurricane deaths are the result of indirect causes like accidents on the road or during cleanup, carbon monoxide poisoning from improper generator use, and a lack of medical care.

Duke Energy Florida has advice to help prevent one of those leading indirect causes of hurricane deaths: electrocution.

Electric current travels easily through water. So a lot of the safety advice from Duke Energy involves water.

First, don't walk, swim or drive through high water.

If you must evacuate due to flooding, turn off your power at the fuse box. But never touch a fuse or circuit breaker with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface.

Duke says stay away from downed power lines and do not drive over them. If you're unlucky enough to have a power line fall on your car, stay inside of it. If it's on fire and you must get out, jump completely clear of the vehicle before your feet hit the ground.

Finally, downed lines are hard to see in the rain and can hide in standing water. So if you encounter pools of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path.

Fast-moving Hurricane Helene was advancing Thursday across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida.

Forecasters say it threatens an "unsurvivable" storm surge in parts of northwestern Florida, as well as damaging winds, rains and flash floods hundreds of miles inland across much of the southeastern U.S.

The National Weather Service office in Tallahassee says storm surges could reach 20 feet in the state's northwest. Forecasters have also issued a hurricane warning far beyond the coast up into south central Georgia.

The governors of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina have all declared emergencies in their states. Authorities say prolonged power outages, toppled trees and dangerous flooding are possible.

>>Read the complete story.

Official storm track

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National Hurricane Center

Orlando International Airport and the Orlando Executive Airport are open and operational today.

Officials are warning passengers to prepare for delays and cancellations as inclement weather from Hurricane Helene rolls in.

Anyone flying in or out of MCO today should check with their individual airline to see if their flight has been affected.

Orlando International Airport

If an airport is closed, that information will be found on the Federal Aviation Administration’s website.

St. Petersburg/Clearwater International, Tallahassee Regional and Tampa International Airports are closed today due to the storm.

You can also track your flight or that of a loved one on FlightAware.

Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center will offer a day camp Thursday for kids who are out of school because of Hurricane Helene.

Campers will take part in hands-on STEM activities and explore exhibits under guided supervision.

Camp is open to kids in grades K-5 and will take place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the OSC campus in Orlando.

Early childcare is available from 7:30-8:30 a.m.

There is a cost for the camp, and parents must pre-register online at the science center’s website.

The science center will remain open to all visitors on Thursday during its regular business hours.

City of Orlando After School Programs will also be open today from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. for students already enrolled at the following sites:

• Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center
• Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center
• Dover Shores Neighborhood Center
• Rosemont Neighborhood Center

Hurricane Helene continued its 9 mph trek northward in the Gulf of Mexico Thursday night, tracking towards Florida's Big Bend coast.

The maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph, a Category 1 hurricane, but "strengthening is forecast" says the National Hurricane Center in its 11 p.m. advisory.

The massive system is expected to be a "major storm" when it makes landfall Thursday evening, a classification given to storms with wind speeds greater than 110 mph. It is expected to bring a "catastrophic and deadly" storm surge to the Big Bend coast as high as 20 feet above ground level.

In Tampa Bay, NHC forecasts a 5-8 foot storm surge.

While Helene's major impacts will be on Florida's Gulf Coast and Big Bend region, Central Florida will still feel the effects of the storm given its large size. Tropical storm conditions are expected overnight and into Thursday.

An update from the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network calls for heavy and gusty rainbands will be pushing onto the state, stronger ones on Thursday. Tornadoes will be possible embedded in the rainbands.

FPREN says Central Florida residents should remain indoors Thursday as the weather will continue to be dangerous. Tornado risk is moderate across Central and North Florida through late Thursday.

Schools are closed Thursday in all Central Florida counties, and some local governments are opening shelters beginning Thursday morning.

ORLANDO — Walt Disney World outside Orlando said Wednesday that it will be open on Thursday, except for its miniature golf courses and the Typhoon Lagoon water park. The theme park resort also said its Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was canceled for Thursday.

“We are closely monitoring the projected path of Hurricane Helene as we continue to prioritize the safety of our guests and cast members,” Disney said in a statement.

Hurricane Helen is strengthening with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, according to the 5 p.m. update from the National Weather Service, and strengthening is forecast.

The massive system is expected to reach Florida's Big Bend coast Thursday evening as a major hurricane, bringing life-threatening storm surge and flooding to the Gulf Coast, along with high winds.

While Central Florida is outside the storm's track, the region will feel its effects, starting with rain bands Wednesday night and into Thursday.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward of Helene's eye — up to 25 miles (35 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 345 miles.

Governor Ron DeSantis is warning Floridians to wrap up their storm preparations now ahead of Hurricane Helene.

DeSantis says the storm is expected to cause major power outages throughout the state.

He says people should stock up on water and preservable food, and should avoid driving on the roads on Thursday as the storm is expected to be both a wind and water event which could make driving in the storm deadly.

Florida Channel

“You can't control what path the storm takes. We can't control how severe it is, but you can control what you do. So do things that are going to put you in the best possible situation to come out of this safely for you and your family," said DeSantis.

The storm is expected to make landfall near the Tallahassee region on Thursday.

The governor says he and Emergency Manager Kevin Guthrie plan on riding out the storm at the Emergency Operations Center in the Capitol, and have contingency plans for running the state in case of the worst case scenario.

Watch the full press conference here:

At 11 a.m., Helene strengthened into a hurricane with 80 mph winds and it will continues to intensify as it moves north and accelerates through the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall Thursday evening.

Florida Public Radio Emergency Network meteorologist William Maxham said that this is a large storm that will impact the entire state, far away from the center.

"As Helene moves north tonight, its outer rainbands will stretch across the peninsula with tropical storm force winds, heavy rains and some risk of isolated spin up tornadoes," he said.

"Tomorrow will bring the us the worst of the storm with deteriorating conditions across central and north Florida. Helene will likely make landfall Thursday evening in the Big Bend as a major hurricane. The time to prepare is ending and now it's time to shelter in place."

William said that bands of heavy rain will continue to impact Central Florida this evening with winds increasing to tropical storm force. Impacts tomorrow morning will be more significant as the eye gets closer to the Gulf coast.

William urges us to follow the directions from local emergency management officials And to listen to this station for more updates on Helene .

At least three Central Florida counties will have shelters available for residents, including people with special needs.

ORANGE COUNTY
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demmings announced the county is opening shelters in the Barnett Park area, West Orange County and in Goldenrod.

The shelters will open at 7:30 a.m. ID cards are not require and the they will be pet friendly.

General Population Shelter:

• Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando

Shelters for Individuals with Special/Medical Needs

• West Orange Rec Center, 309 S.W. Crown Point Road, Winter Garden.
• Goldenrod Rec Center, 4863 N. Goldenrod Road, Winter Park

Orange County residents requiring a Special Needs/Medical Shelter please dial 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111.

LYNX will provide free service to shelter locations. Visit ocfl.net/shelters for important information on what to bring with you to a shelter.

LAKE COUNTY
Lake County has announced it will open a shelter at 8 a.m. Thursday for those who need accommodations during the storm. The shelter will be at Leesburg Elementary School, 2229 South St., Leesburg. The shelter is expected to close at 7 a.m. Friday.

This is a general population, pet-friendly, and special needs shelter. Be sure to bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, medication, bedding, and a pet carrier or crate.

MARION COUNTY
Marion County has announced a shelter at Westport High School, 3733 SW 80th Ave., Ocala.

It serves as a special needs shelter and a shelter for the general population. Small pets are also being allowed into the shelter with proper documentation.

SUMTER COUNTY
Two Sumter County shelters will open 7 a.m. Thursday.

They include a special needs shelter at the Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood, and a general population shelter at the Sumter Fairgrounds, 7620 State Road 471 in Webster.

Additional general population shelters could open if needed. For updates, visit the county website or call 352-689-4400.

The county advises the following groups to consider evacuating or moving to a shelter:

• People living in mobile, manufactured or modular homes or recreation vehicles.
• People living in low-lying or flood-prone areas near a river.
• Individuals with special needs.
• Anyone who feels unsafe staying alone.

"Plan to stay with a friend or family member in a safe area if possilble," Emergency Management Director David Casto said in a news release. "If you plan to evacuate, have a destination and make travel arrangements early. Use local shelters only as a last resort, and remember to bring essential items like medications."

The shelters do not provide cots, blankets or other supplies. Visitors should brind ID, bedding, food and water, medications, baby supplies if needed, toiletries, entertainment such as games or books and pet supplies if needed. But the county says don't bring alcohol.

Central Florida Public Media

Sunrail services are suspended beginning Thursday due to Hurricane Helene.

Transportation officials said services should resume as early as Friday morning after the storm passes and after the crew inspects the rail services.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says the county is preparing for the storm, including high winds, rainfall and flooding.

“We are prepared for the unexpected," said Demmings. "We have prepared for the worst, but we hope for the best, as we normally do. So, our community is ready.”

Demmings said while SunRail is closed, Lynx services will run tomorrow to provide services to residents and transportation to shelters.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy has deployed thousands of workers as Hurricane Helene is expected to cause widespread power outages throughout Florida.

The 8,000 workers are staged at four locations in Florida, where they will be able to quickly respond to power outages.

One of those staging sites is here in Central Florida in The Villages.

These workers include power line technicians, vegetation workers, damage assessors and support personnel.

Midwestern Duke employees, from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana will also be in Florida to help with power outages.

To report a power outage, text OUT to 57801, call 800-228-8485 or report it online through the mobile app.

For more safety tips, visit duke-energy.com/StormTips.

Rosen Hotels & Resorts has activated reduced rates for people evacuating to Central Florida due to Hurricane Helene.

Anyone in a county where a state of emergency has been declared can take advantage of the discount.

The so-called “Distress Rates” are as low as $69 a night to $139 a night for rooms at Rosen properties.

Rosen Hotel & Resorts

Rosen properties are pet-friendly which means those evacuating with their dogs or cats are also welcome, at no additional charge.

Free Wi-Fi is also available.

To reserve a room, please call 866-33-ROSEN (76736). Or click here to make a reservation.

National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome provided a live update on Facebook. Here's the video:

With Helene forecast to hit Florida as a major hurricane later this week, most Central Florida counties have announced that self-serve sandbags are available for residents.

>> Read the full story about sandbag locations.

Here are links to sandbag information for counties providing them:
Lake County.
Marion County. (Look for update on the Sheriff's Office Facebook page.)
Orange County.
Osceola County. (No distribution on Thursday!)
Seminole County.
Sumter County (Look for updates on the Sheriff's Office Facebook page.)
Volusia County.

Here's a video with sandbag tips provided by Seminole County.

Public schools throughout Central Florida will be closed Thursday due to Helene, which is expected to be a major hurricane as it approaches the Florida Gulf Coast.

Here's the county-by-county situation:

• Brevard Public Schools announced Wednesday morning that all schools and offices will be closed Thursday. After-school activities for Wednesday will continue as normal. Schools will reopen on Friday.
• Marion County public schools will also be closed on Thursday. And Thursday's extra-curricular activities are canceled. West Port High School will open as a special needs shelter Wednesday at 2 p.m. Members of the general community may seek shelter there beginning at 4 p.m. The high school will also serve as a pet shelter.
• Lake County schools and district offices will be closed on Thursday.
• As of Tuesday afternoon, the district said Wednesday’s after-school activities were scheduled to continue as planned.
• Orange County Public Schools has cancelld classes for Thursday. After-school activities will end by 6:00 p.m on Wednesday.
• Osceola County schools will also be closed on Thursday. The district will monitor the impacts of Helene, relying on local public works directors, power companies, and Toho Water Authority, before making any decisions about Friday, which is already a non-student day/teacher professional study day.
• Seminole County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday for students. There will be no extracurricular activities, sporting events, or other school-based activities. The district anticipates opening Friday.
• The Sumter County School District announced that schools will be closed on Thursday and Friday.
• For Volusia County public schools, all after-school activities except for Extended Day Enrichment Programs will be canceled Wednesday. All schools and district offices will be closed Thursday.

Several colleges around Central Florida have announced closures due to Hurricane Helene:

• The University of Central Florida and Valencia College have cancelled classes Thursday.
• All Lake Sumter State College campuses will be closed Thursday.
• The College of Central Florida will close all campuses and sites -- in Citrus, Levy and Marion counties -- for Tropical Storm Helene. The Citrus and Levy County campuses will close at noon on Wednesday. All other CF campuses and sites, along with online classes, will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday and remain closed through Friday.
• Seminole State College has cancelled all classes (including online) and all college operations on Thursday.
• All four Eastern Florida State College campuses in Volusia County will be closed Thursday. All classes, both on campus and online, plus EFSC events, will be canceled Thursday. Those scheduled for Wednesday night will meet as scheduled.
• Daytona State College is canceling all classes, both in person and online, and all activities for Thursday because of Hurricane Helene. The college anticipates reopening at 8 a.m. Friday.
• Bethune-Cookman has announced that all classes, assignments and events — including online classes — with closed on Thursday due to the storm.
• Rollins College also announced Wednesday that it will close on Thursday and all classes, including online classes, are closed as well.
• Stetson University will be closed Thursday due to the storm, residential buildings will remain open for students and the university expects to reopen on Friday