Storm surge is a major threat from Hurricane Helene, which is expected to hit Florida as a major storm on Thursday. Ten to 15 feet of dangerous storm surge is forecast for Florida’s Big Bend area, while Tampa Bay could see 4 to 8 feet of storm surge.

Many areas are forecast to see dangerous storm surges, especially between Panama City and Tampa. The coast stretching from Ochlockonee River to Chassahowitzka could see between 10 and 15 feet of water. Nearby areas could see between 5 and 10 feet of water, and the Tampa Bay area is forecast to experience between 5 and 8 feet of storm surge.