And in the case of Hurricane Helene, predicted storm surge could be devastating in the coastal areas of the state's Big Bend, where the peninsula meets the Panhandle. Forecasters say surge could be between 15 and 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters).

Hurricane Helene, which is currently Category 1, formed from an area of low pressure in the Caribbean, having strengthened rapidly over the last few days. The hurricane is expected to be the "strongest hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. this season," possibly hitting Category 3 or 4 strength.