Live updates: Helene approaches FL; ‘life-threatening’ effects imminent

Florida is bracing for significant impacts as Hurricane Helene approaches the coast. Mandatory evacuations are in effect across the state, affecting more than two dozen counties. Even neighboring states have issued warnings as this major storm is expected to move far inland. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for all of Georgia, as did Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin for his state.

Residents of the Southeast will need to prepare for further severe weather after landfall. Yesterday, residents of several states were preparing for Helene. Click here to see our coverage from yesterday.

As the storm approaches and time to evacuate is running out, here’s the latest news:

(MORE: Hurricane Tracker Maps | Latest forecast)

(6:30 a.m. ET) Pipeline crews stationed in Florida

Because Helene will cause power outages in several states — even extended outages in the hardest-hit areas — large groups of power linemen have been stationed in various regions to help in the aftermath of the storm. The photo below, taken by photographer Dustin Williams, shows at least one of those groups stationed Wednesday evening.

(6:15 a.m. ET) Helene examined with state-of-the-art technology

A specialized system called Sentinel, developed by the University of Florida, will collect sophisticated data as Helene heads toward Florida. “Data and video will be shared with a broad range of research, operational and commercial partners, as well as with stakeholders supporting local response and recovery, such as state environmental or natural resource agencies,” the Florida Climate Institute said.

(6:00 a.m. ET) Alabama DOT opens evacuation routes

(5:30 a.m. ET) What are hurricane categories?

We talk a lot about hurricane categories, but what exactly do they mean? Here’s a breakdown of the Saffir-Simpson scale, which rates hurricanes based on wind speed:

-Category 1: Very dangerous winds cause damage and can result in death and injury.

-Category 2: Extremely dangerous winds cause major damage and a significant risk of injury and death.

-Category 3: There will be devastating damage, with high risk of injury and death.

-Category 4: There will be catastrophic damage, including a very high risk of human deaths.

You can read more about the hurricane categories here.