Hurricane Helene has struck Florida! A state of emergency has been declared.

The state of Florida was hit by Hurricane Helene late last night. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned the public about the possibility of destructive damage, announcing that the hurricane was at Category 4 level.

In a statement from the NWS, it was shared that "Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane just east of the mouth of the Aucilla River in the Florida Big Bend region around 11:10 PM." Authorities urged citizens to seek shelter in safe areas immediately.

As a result of the hurricane, flooding occurred in Clearwater, a city in the western part of the state. Police and fire crews began rescue operations in the affected areas.

The NWS warned the public, stating, "Treat strong winds as if a hurricane is approaching and move to the safe room in your shelter immediately. Take action now to protect your life."

Authorities are closely monitoring the hurricane's progress and potential impacts. Residents in the area are advised to follow official announcements carefully and adhere to safety instructions.