Hurricane Helene intensifies as it heads towards Florida and Mexico

The storm is classified as an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 225 kph and a storm surge that could rise to as much as 20ft in some areas.

Tropical Storm Helene is expected to intensify into a Category 3 hurricane as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to hit Florida's Gulf coast on Thursday. The storm is predicted to bring life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flooding to a large portion of the state. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for almost all counties. The storm is expected to strengthen rapidly, potentially reaching Category 3 status within 48 hours. A hurricane warning has been issued for parts of Florida's Gulf Coast, from Anclote River to Mexico Beach.