AccuWeather’s updated forecast warns that Tropical Storm Helene will bring dangerous storm surges and damaging winds to Florida’s Gulf Coast, prompting evacuation orders as officials anticipate life-threatening conditions.

An updated AccuWeather forecast on Wednesday projects Tropical Storm Helene to bring significant storm surges and damaging winds to Florida’s Gulf Coast in the coming days, with meteorologists warning of life-threatening conditions.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued storm surge warnings this morning for coastal areas, including Wakulla, Franklin, and Levy counties, where water levels could rise by as much as 10 feet above normal tide levels.

The storm, which is expected to make landfall within 48 hours, could bring sustained winds exceeding 100 miles per hour, according to NHC forecasts. Officials are urging residents in vulnerable areas to follow evacuation orders, with mandatory evacuations already in effect for Wakulla and portions of Pasco counties. The low-lying geography of Wakulla County places it at heightened risk of severe flooding, with storm surge models showing the potential for extensive inundation.

“We are facing a dangerous storm with the potential for significant impacts along the coast,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Tuesday. “It’s crucial that people in evacuation zones take this seriously and act quickly to ensure their safety.”

Coastal areas could see widespread damage to infrastructure, with power outages and blocked roads expected to complicate recovery efforts. The National Weather Service (NWS) has also warned of strong winds ranging from 70 to 90 miles per hour across much of northern and central Florida, with isolated tornadoes possible in the storm’s outer bands.