White House warns of 'life-threatening impacts' as Hurricane Helene races towards Florida

A powerful hurricane Helene was barreling towards Florida on Thursday, with officials warning of "unsurvivable" conditions. Tens of thousands of people were without power and roads were already flooded ahead of what is expected to be one of the largest Gulf of Mexico storms in decades.

"EVERYONE along the Florida Big Bend coast is at risk of potentially catastrophic storm surge," the NHC said on social media. Tampa and Tallahassee airports have closed, with parts of St Petersburg, downtown Tampa, Sarasota, Treasure Island and other cities on Florida's west coast already flooded.