(TheIndependentStar.com) – In an unexpected turn of events, potential Category 3 gigantic Hurricane Helene is rapidly intensifying as it barrels towards Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Currently a tropical storm with winds of 45 mph, Helene is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane with winds up to 115 mph by Thursday night, when it makes landfall.
The National Hurricane Center has issued dire warnings for the entire west coast of the Florida Peninsula and the Big Bend area, highlighting the potential for life-threatening storm surge.
“There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of the Florida Peninsula and Florida Big Bend,” the National Hurricane Center noted.
It added, “The highest inundation levels are expected along the coast of the Florida Big Bend. Residents in those areas should follow advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do so.”
In turn, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 of Florida’s 67 counties to ensure that state resources are readily available to protect lives and property.
In a show of bipartisan cooperation during crisis, Joe Biden has also declared an emergency for the state, ordering federal assistance to supplement state efforts.
However, as Florida prepares for Helene’s ambush, questions arise about the federal government’s ability to manage disaster response effectively.
Meanwhile, conservative Floridians remember all too well the bureaucratic inefficiencies and mismanagement that have plagued federal agencies like FEMA in past disasters.
As the hurricane approaches, Florida’s robust infrastructure will be put to the test.
The state’s commitment to strong building codes, efficient evacuation routes, and well-maintained power grids stands in stark contrast to the crumbling infrastructure in many Democrat-run states.
Floridians are urged to heed evacuation notices and not focus solely on the forecast track’s center line.
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