Helene -- which weakened to a Category 1 hurricane on Friday morning -- made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida on Thursday with 140 mph winds.
People told to 'remain in place' as Category 2 Helene moves into southern Georgia
The National Hurricane Center has warned residents to "remain in place" as Hurricane Helene moves into southern Georgia as a Category 2 storm.
NHC advises people not to step outside when the calm of the eye is over them, as winds will increase after Helene passes.
Helene has moved almost 75 miles inland, but remains a hurricane with top sustained winds now at 110 mph.
ABC News
Helene made landfall in Perry, Florida, as a Category 4, with 140 mph winds, but the speed of its maximum sustained winds has dropped to 110 mph.
The hurricane is moving across land at 26 mph.
Meanwhile, more than 200,000 customers are without power in Georgia, according to poweroutage.us.
-ABC News' Richard Von Ohlen
1:14 AM EDT
Wind gusts in Perry, Florida, clock in at 99 mph
Hurricane Helene has brought strong wind gusts across Florida's West Coast.
Perry, where Helene made landfall, recorded wind gusts of 99 mph.
Sarasota-Bradenton Airport in Sarasota reported gusts of 74 mph.
Tampa International Airport saw 68 mph winds
St. Petersburg reported wind gusts of 82 mph.
Clearwater Beach recorded 75 mph winds.
A maritime station in Cedar Key recorded wind gusts of 84 mph, while Egmont Channel noted 81 mph.
12:25 AM EDT
Hurricane Helene begins move toward southeastern Georgia
6:23
Hurricane Helene has made landfall as a Category 4 storm
Helene makes landfall in Florida's Big Bend as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.
Hurricane Helene remains a Category 4 storm as it heads inland over the Florida Panhandle, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The hurricane is moving toward southeastern Georgia and remains dangerous and life-threatening, per the NHC.
A tide gauge from the National Ocean Service in Cedar Key, Florida, is reporting that the water level is 8.68 feet above mean higher high water.
Power is now out for more than 1.1 million customers in Florida, while Georgia is dealing with 92,974 outages.
-ABC News' Richard Von Ohlen and Jolie Lash
Sep 26, 2024, 11:55 PM EDT
Gov. DeSantis confirms 1st death in Florida as Hurricane Helene makes landfall
8:32
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis shares updates on Hurricane Helene
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis shared updates after Hurricane Helene slammed into northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm Thursday night.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a press conference late Thursday night that there has been one fatality as Hurricane Helene's dangerous conditions bombard the state.
The death occurred on the I-4 highway near Tampa when a sign fell on a car.
"It just shows you that there are very dangerous conditions out there," DeSantis said.
DeSantis warned Floridians that there may be additional loss of life and property Thursday night and into Friday morning.
"When we wake up in the morning, chances are there will be more fatalities," DeSantis said.
Hurricane Helene (PHOTO: NOAA)
NOAA
Authorities announced that there are already reports of downed power lines and flooded roadways. Many major bridges have been closed, and most bridges in Tampa Bay have been closed, the governor said.
Steinhatchee may be experiencing clear skies due to being in the eye of the hurricane, Florida Emergency Management Executive Kevin Guthrie said. He warned those within the eye to remain indoors and continue to shelter in place.
A priority in the coming hours will be to restore power, the governor said. Meals, bottled water, Starlink services and fuel will be made available to those in need and will be standing by.
DeSantis said another press conference will be scheduled for the morning.
