Updates from the path of the storm

A storm expected to become a Category 3 hurricane, Helene, has its sights set on the area that has now become Florida's Hurricane Alley.

The tropical cyclone's track has become familiar to residents of the Panhandle and Big Bend. In August, Category 1 Hurricane Debby made landfall near Taylor and Dixie counties in eastern Big Bend. Its 7 a.m. landfall was just 45 minutes and 10 miles from where and when Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 in late August 2023. The recent storm and its timing have also been compared to Category 5 Hurricane Michael.

Hurricane warnings were issued for northern Florida and the peninsula on Tuesday morning, a day after Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, prompting some school districts to announce plans for days-long closures. Helene is expected to make landfall between Destin and Tampa on Thursday evening.

Here are the latest updates from the storm’s path:

Franklin County orders mandatory evacuation for St. George and other barrier islands

Franklin County orders the evacuation of all barrier islands (St. George Island, Dog Island, Bald Point and Alligator Point). The evacuation also includes low-lying and flood-prone areas, particularly along the coast and rivers, as well as mobile homes and RV parks.