The centers of Helene, Idalia and Debby crossed the coast within about 23 miles, according to the National Hurricane Center.

With Hurricane Helene intensifying on its path to hit Florida as a major storm, residents and officials are preparing for impact as reminders from 2022's deadly and destructive Hurricane Ian remain in the Gulf Coast.

Hurricane Helene has strengthened into a Category 4 storm as it races toward northwest Florida and causes flooding on the Gulf Coast and power outages inland.