Hurricane Helene Approaches, FL and NC Prepare

As Hurricane Helene approaches, residents across Florida, including Columbia, Pasco, Polk, and Okaloosa counties, are preparing for potential flooding and storm impacts. Emergency management officials in Western North Carolina and Haywood County are also on high alert, with concerns about rivers and smaller tributaries potentially causing major flooding. Preparations include securing boats, filling sandbags, and tying down outdoor furniture, with some areas already experiencing lingering damage from past storms like Hurricane Idalia and Debby. Schools in Jackson County, NC, have been canceled, and swift water rescue teams are on standby. Officials are urging residents to heed warnings, avoid flooded roads, and prepare emergency kits.