Gov. DeSantis provides morning update before Helene’s landfall

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis provided updates on Hurricane Helene on the morning of the day it was expected to directly impact the state’s capital city.

During a news conference in Tallahassee on Thursday at around 9 a.m., DeSantis remarked that the storm could become a major hurricane upon landfall.

The governor then mentioned that the storm’s trajectory had shifted slightly east in the latest advisory, placing Tallahassee in the projected cone.

FEMA assistance will be available post-storm for those who may need it.

DeSantis urged residents not to leave their homes during the storm.

Around 5,500 soldiers have been deployed to assist with first responders throughout the storm and after.

The governor mentioned that the Division of Emergency Management partnered with Uber on Wednesday to provide free transportation to shelters for those in the State of Emergency.

To utilize this offer, text “Helenerelief” when booking a ride.

The service will not be provided once weather conditions worsen, as DeSantis reminds residents to take advantage of these options while they are still available.

Landfall is projected for Thursday evening, as DeSantis warns against leaving homes during the nighttime.

Conditions have begun to deteriorate in Southern Florida, as areas are experiencing severe flooding.

DeSantis then shifted the podium to Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie.

Guthrie began his statement by warning residents of the Big Bend area to evacuate immediately to avoid impacts from Helene.

Those who choose not to go to a shelter are asked to travel to Pensacola, as impacts there will be lesser than in the eastern portions of the state.

Those with shelter were told to stay inside and inform another party that they had decided to stay home during the storm.

If homeowners hear trees snapping, Guthrie urged residents to travel to the most central portion of their homes to avoid storm-like conditions.

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