TIMELINE Sept. 27: Helene downgraded to a tropical system

ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9 has crews around Florida covering the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

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Helene has become a post-tropical system over the state of Kentucky.

5 p.m. update:

The 5 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center showed winds to 35 mph, and the system has transitioned into an extratropical cyclone.

Additional catastrophic flash flooding is likely across the southern Appalachians tonight, and river flooding will become an increasing concern in that area this weekend.

Long-duration power outages are becoming likely in parts of the southeast US.

Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 major hurricane in the Big Bend with winds of 140 mph.

2 p.m. update:

Helene has been downgraded to a tropical depression as its center pushes into southern Kentucky.

The 2 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center decreased winds to 35 mph, making Helene a tropical depression.

The system has dumped historic and catastrophic rainfall across portions of the Carolinas and Georgia, where flash flood emergencies remain in effect.

Helene is expected to continue to weaken and become an extratropical system later today.

Helene downgraded to a tropical depression Helene has been downgraded to a tropical depression, as its center pushes into southern Kentucky. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)

Helene downgraded to a tropical depression The system has dumped historic and catastrophic rainfall across portions of the Carolinas and Georgia, where flash flood emergencies remain in effect. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)

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12:40 p.m. update:

Over 4 million people in the southeastern U.S. are without power Friday afternoon due to Hurricane Helene.

Both South Carolina and Georgia have over 1 million residents without power, with Florida slightly below 1 million.

In Central Florida, the county with the largest number of outages is Marion, with 36,000 as of noon.

Read: More than 4 million without power across southeastern US due to Hurricane Helene

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11:50 a.m. update:

Gov. Ron DeSantis is planning to hold another news conference Friday to share updates on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

DeSantis plans to speak around 1:30 p.m. from the Woody’s Waterfront restaurant in St. Petersburg Beach.

Joining DeSantis will be Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie and Major General John D. Haas, Adjutant General of Florida.

We will have live coverage of DeSantis’s news conference on Channel 9 and wftv.com.

Tampa Bay area bridge update (Florida Highway Patrol/Florida Highway Patrol)

Florida deputies rescue man trapped inside home by Hurricane Helene floodwaters

Storm aftermath James Wilder, 55, of New Port Richey, Fla., walks along a flooded street from Hurricane Helene at Green Key Road near US 19 Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in New Port Richey. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)

Storm aftermath A boat rests on a street after being relocated during flooding caused by Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)

Storm aftermath Chase Allbritton flies a drone near downed trees in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Perry, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)

Storm aftermath Ronda Bell looks on after an Oak tree landed on her 100-year-old home after Hurricane Helene moved through, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)

Storm aftermath An airboat transports residents rescued from floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)

Storm aftermath A damaged 100-year-old home is seen after an Oak tree landed on it after Hurricane Helene moved through the area Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)

Storm aftermath Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after of Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)

Storm aftermath Staff of the Inn On The Gulf clean up after their restaurant flooded with surge from Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)

Storm aftermath Debris cover the street in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene at Harbor Lights Club mobile home park in Pinellas County, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (Tampa Bay Times via AP) (AP)

Storm aftermath People and pets are rescued from flooded neighborhoods in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)

Storm aftermath A boat rests on a street after being relocated during flooding caused by Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)

Storm aftermath Suzanne Whelehar holds hands with Nancy Parker, as they assess the damage that Hurricane Helene wrought on Parker's home at Harbor Lights Club mobile home park in Pinellas County, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (Tampa Bay Times via AP) (AP)

Storm aftermath People make their way to safety in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)

Storm aftermath Clarissa Lucky gives a tour of her home that flooded from Hurricane Helene near DeSoto Park, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Tampa. (Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Jefferee Woo/AP)

Storm aftermath Residents are rescued from floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)

Storm aftermath A Citrus County Firefigher carries 11-year- old, Michael Cribbins, while conducting rescues from floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)

Storm aftermath Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)

Storm aftermath Staff of the Inn On The Gulf clean up after their restaurant flooded with surge from Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)

Storm aftermath This photo provided by Lee County Sheriff's office shows floodwaters by Hurricane Helene in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Lee County Sheriff's Office via AP) (AP)

Storm aftermath Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)

Storm aftermath Faisal Bakkal, an employee of a Marathon gas station, walks away from damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Perry, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)

Storm aftermath A man walks out of a street with water flooded from Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)

Storm aftermath Andrew Lucky, 54, speaks about the water damage to his house caused by a flood from Hurricane Helene near DeSoto Park, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Tampa. (Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Jefferee Woo/AP)

Storm aftermath Faisal Bakkal, an employee of a Marathon gas station, looks at damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Perry, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)

Storm aftermath Members of the Ohio Task Force 1 urban search and rescue team rest after conducting high water rescues from flooding caused by Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Hudson, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)

Storm aftermath Jamir Lewis wades through floodwaters with his two daughters, Nylah and Aria, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)

Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: A car is submerged in the floodwaters in the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a category four hurricane, and has brought flooding inland as the storm system moves over Georgia, heading into the Carolinas. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Megan Varner/Getty Images)

Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Floodwaters at Steinhatchee Rivergate in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall nearby last night as a category four storm but has weakened as it moves inland. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Floodwaters at the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a category four hurricane, and has brought flooding inland as the storm system moves over Georgia, heading into the Carolinas. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Megan Varner/Getty Images)

Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Members of law enforcement use a special vehicle in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall nearby last night as a Category four. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Emergency responders share information in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall nearby last night as a category four storm but has weakened as it moves inland. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Floodwaters in the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a category four hurricane, and has brought flooding inland as the storm system moves over Georgia, heading into the Carolinas. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Megan Varner/Getty Images)

Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Flood waters inundate the main street after Hurricane Helene passed offshore on September 27, 2024 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Hurricane Helene Hits Gulf Coast Of Florida STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Members of law enforcement use a special vehicle in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall nearby last night as a category four storm but has weakened as it moves inland. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

APTOPIX Cuba Tropical Weather A resident leads his pig through a street flooded in the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Batabano, Mayabeque province, Cuba, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)

Tropical Weather Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)

APTOPIX Cuba Tropical Weather Residents wade through a street flooded in the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Batabano, Mayabeque province, Cuba, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)

APTOPIX Cuba Tropical Weather A woman looks at her dogs sitting on a sofa, as she stands inside her home that was flooded in the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Batabano, Mayabeque province, Cuba, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)

Tropical Weather Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)

Tropical Weather This photo provided by Lee County Sheriff's office shows floodwaters by Hurricane Helene in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Lee County Sheriff's Office via AP) (Uncredited/AP)

Tropical Weather Lee County Sheriff's deputies dispatch a rescue boat to search for people trapped by floodwaters by Hurricane Helene in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Lee County Sheriff's Office via AP) (Uncredited/AP)

Tropical Weather Vehicles move slowly around trees that have fallen after of Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)

Tropical Weather A damaged 100-year-old home is seen after an Oak tree landed on it after Hurricane Helene moved through the area Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)

Tropical Weather A person looks over a flooded street due to Hurricane Helene late Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in New Port Richey, Fla. (Danielle Molisee via AP) (Uncredited/AP)

APTOPIX Tropical Weather Ronda Bell looks on after an Oak tree landed on her 100-year-old home after Hurricane Helene moved through, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)

Pictures of the Week Latin America and Caribbean Photo Gallery A man lights charcoal to cook dinner in his flooded home after the passage of Hurricane Helene in Guanimar, Artemisa province, Cuba, Sept. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)

Florida crews respond to house fire during flooding from Hurricane Helene

Helene ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 2: A capsized boat washes ashore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Peteersburg Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: A surfer rides a wave kicked up as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 2: People walk in the wind and rain next to Tampa Bay as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: A road is empty of traffic as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Tanner Flynn stands in shallow water near crashing waves as Hurricane Helene passes offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: The Gulf of Mexico's water pushes up against the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Neil (who did not want to provide their last name) visits the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: People visit the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Waves from the Gulf of Mexico crash on shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene CRAWFORDVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Utility crews repair a line damaged by an outer band of Hurricane Helene on the morning of September 26, 2024 near Crawfordville, Florida. Hurricane Helene is forecasted to make landfall nearby along the gulf coast this evening. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

Helene ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: A vehicle is stranded in floodwaters as Hurricane Helene passes offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Waves from the Gulf of Mexico push up against the shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: People look out at the waves from the Gulf of Mexico pushing up against the shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: The Gulf of Mexico water pushes up against the shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Vehicles drive along a flooded street as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: In this aerial view, vehicles drive through a flooded street as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Later today, Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane, bringing the potential for deadly storm surges, flooding rain, and destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Florida West Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Helene ST PETE BEACH, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Water from the Gulf of Mexico floods a road as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Already a Category 3 storm, Helene was expected to gain further strength before making landfall this evening on Florida’s northwestern coast. Flash flood warnings extend to northern Georgia and western North Carolina. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Gov. DeSantis to give update on response after Hurricane Helene slams Florida

Hurricane Helene damage in Florida Tree falls down in Leesburg. Courtesy of FG. (FG /FG)

Hurricane Helene damage in Florida Tree falls down in Pine Hills. Courtesy of Chanda Laird. (Chanda Laird/Chanda Laird)

Hurricane Helene damage in Florida Shed collapses in Winter Haven. Courtesy of Montana. (Montana/Montana)

Hurricane Helene tree falls in Apopka Hurricane Helene tree falls in Apopka. Courtesy of Mathue Brown. (Mathue Brown/Mathue Brown)

Hurricane Helene tree fall in Apopka Hurricane Helene tree falls in Apopka. Courtesy of JJ (JJ /JJ)

Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Jacksonville Police Department (WFTV)

Traffic Light Collapses on Washington and Magnolia Strong winds from Hurricane Helene push over Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando

Traffic Light Collapses at Washington and Magnolia Strong Winds from Hurricane Helene push over a Traffic Light in Downtown Orlando

Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)

Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (WFTV)

Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)

Hurricane Helene damage Fallen tree in Plymouth. Credit: Rachelle Young (Rachelle Young)

Hurricane Helene damage Fallen tree in Plymouth. Credit: Rachelle Young (Rachelle Young/Rachelle Young)

Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)

Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief (WFTV)

Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (WFTV)

U.S. Coast Guard rescues man and dog (WFTV)

Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (WFTV)

Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)

Florida First Responders Hurricane Helene Relief Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (WFTV)

Florida’s Big Bend prepares for catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene

Edgewater residents before Hurricane Helene Edgewater residents prepare for the worst as Hurricane Helene approaches Florida (WFTV Staff/WFTV)

Utility companies across Central Florida brace for Helene Workers with multiple utility companies are getting ready to respond as Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in the Big Bend region later Thursday evening. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)

Sumter County prepares for Hurricane Helene Sumter County officials ask residents to ‘review their housing options’ ahead of Hurricane Helene. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)

BREVARD BRACES FOR HURRICANE HELENE

Edgewater, haunted by recent flooding, prepares for Helene Edgewater, haunted by recent flooding, prepares for Helene

Tropical Storm Helene preparations Marion County residents fill up sandbags ahead of Tropical Storm Helene. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)

11 a.m. update:

Helene continues to race northward across the Southeast, producing historic and catastrophic flooding.

The 11 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center has the center 105 miles north-northeast of Atlanta, quickly moving to the north at 32 miles per hour.

Flash Flood Emergencies are in effect for Metro Atlanta and portions of Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina.

Read: Hurricane Helene: See photos of damage, flooding in Florida

The National Hurricane Center also estimates storm surge in the Big Bend region around Taylor County exceeded 15 feet above ground level during landfall of Helene Thursday night.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Joyce has formed in the open Atlantic.

The tenth named storm is over 1300 miles east of the Lesser Antilles.

Joyce is expected to remain a tropical storm in the open Atlantic and eventually weaken and head out to sea early next week.

Joyce Forms in open Atlantic

Helene 11am Update

10:20 a.m. update:

Deputies in Lee County performed a daring rescue mission as Hurricane Helene barreled toward Florida’s Gulf Coast.

WATCH: Florida deputies rescue man trapped inside home by Hurricane Helene floodwaters

Deputies said a man called 911 as floodwaters took over his home.

Videos show deputies making their way through murky water to rescue the man.

9:30 a.m. update:

Gov. Ron DeSantis is giving an update Friday morning on Florida’s response after Hurricane Helene slammed the state.

Watch DeSantis’ full news conference here:

Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie joined DeSantis at the event.

8:40 a.m. update:

First responders in Florida came across an active house fire while navigating Hurricane Helene floodwaters by boat.

Watch: Florida crews respond to house fire during flooding from Hurricane Helene

Crews from the South Pasadena Fire Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office found the scene while responding to water rescues.

Crews said they have been responding to as many emergency calls as possible.

7:50 a.m. update:

ABC News is reporting six people have died as a direct result of Hurricane Helene.

Officials have reported one death in Florida, four in Georgia, and one in North Carolina.

First responders are still actively looking for additional victims.

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7:25 a.m. update:

Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to give an update Friday morning in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

DeSantis is planning to hold a news conference at 9 a.m. from the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.

We will have live coverage of DeSantis’s news conference on Channel 9 and wftv.com.

6:35 a.m. update:

Channel 9 meteorologists are monitoring a new area of disturbance in the Caribbean that could develop into a tropical system.

The National Hurricane Center says the low-pressure area has a less than 40% chance of development over the next week.

Hurricane Helene moving rapidly through Georgia after slamming Florida’s Big Bend

It’s still too soon to know where the system could go or how strong it could be if it becomes a named storm.

Channel 9 will continue to monitor all tropical activity and provide updates on Eyewitness News.

5:45 a.m. update:

Helene weakened to a strong tropical storm Friday morning.

Helene is moving farther inland over Georgia. The center of the storm is around nine miles from Atlanta.

Coastal areas of Georgia are still seeing life-threatening storm surges, strong winds and heavy rains.

Strong and fast-moving outer rain bands from Helene are still moving through parts of Central Florida.

4:55 a.m. update:

Hurricane Helene is rapidly moving north through Central Georgia.

It’s still unclear the extent of the damage that was left behind after Helene made landfall in Florida overnight.

Helene continues to produce hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall.

A weather station at the University of Georgia reported 77 mph wind gusts Friday morning.

Read: Hurricane evacuation: Helpful apps for finding gas, hotel rooms, traffic routes

Eyewitness News This Morning has live coverage of Helene’s aftermath on Channel 9.

Original report:

Helene has made landfall in the Florida Big Bend as a Category 4 major hurricane.

The storm made landfall just east of the mouth of the Aucilla River.

Volusia County Fire Rescue deploy to Panhandle after Helene Crews from the Volusia County Fire Rescue and Volusia Sheriff’s Office traveled to Florida’s Panhandle to help. (Volusia County Government /Volusia County Government)

Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (WFTV)

Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Orlando Fire Department (WFTV)

Florida First Responders respond to Hurricane Helene Jacksonville Police Department (WFTV)

Florida first responders responding to Hurricane Helene Polk County Fire Rescue (WFTV)

Florida first responders responding to Hurricane Helene Lake County Sheriff's Office (WFTV)

This is 10 miles west-southwest of Perry.

Winds are at 140 mph with a minimum pressure of 938 MB.

Watch: Utility companies across Central Florida brace for Helene

This is the strongest hurricane to hit the Big Bend area in recorded history.

TIMELINE: Hurricane Helene updates Sept. 26

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