Tropical Storm Helene approaches Cuba

Tropical Storm Helene is expected to unleash mudslides and flooding in Cuba before reaching major hurricane strength on Thursday as it hits Florida with life-threatening ocean surge, the U.S. National Weather Service said.

In the U.S, state and national authorities warned of damaging winds and surging walls of seawater driven inland, inundating low-lying coastal areas of Florida's panhandle and west coast as early as Wednesday. Officials declared a state of emergency in most Florida counties. People in some regions already faced mandatory evacuation orders on Tuesday ahead of expected coastal flooding.