The hurricane’s predicted storm surge could be devastating in the coastal areas of Florida’s Big Bend, where the peninsula meets the panhandle.

Forecasters said Hurricane Helene will intensify rapidly over the next 24 hours and grow huge as it approaches landfall on Florida’s Panhandle. Residents began to flee ahead of the storm.

If you decide to use a generator during a power outage, be sure to follow all safety practices. The Red Cross recommends using a generator in a well-ventilated area, keeping it dry, and never plugging it into a wall outlet in an attempt to power the entire house, as this practice greatly increases the risk of electrocution.