“The large size of the storm is going to push so much water,” NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rhome said in an update Wednesday morning. “When it comes to storm surge, the size of the hurricane is often more important than the intensity, which is often hard for people to digest.”

Manatee County evacuations, school closures, sandbag operations, public transportation schedules as Hurricane Helene makes its way to FL.

Residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties are preparing for the impact of Hurricane Helene. On Siesta Key the sound of hammers and chain saws could be heard Wednesday as windows were boarded up. "It’s just a safety measure,