Storm set to intensify and cause ‘catastrophic’ damage across Florida

The Big Bend Coast is set for “catastrophic” wind damage, flash flooding from heavy rain, tornadoes and lethal storm surges, the National Weather Service office in Tallahassee warned early today.

Damaging winds would be felt well inland through the state and into Georgia., it said.

Last night the Tallahassee office said the forecast was a “nightmare surge scenario for Apalachee Bay.”

“Please, please, please take any evacuation orders seriously!” it said.

Florida is facing 48 hours of dangerous extreme weather as Hurricane Helene heads across the Gulf of Mexico. NBC News meteorologist Angie Lassman has the latest forecast on Early Today.