Hurricane Helene has picked up speed and power. The storm could build into a Category 4 hurricane but is likely to make landfall this evening as a Cat 3 hurricane. The windspeeds could reach over 130 miles per hour. The eye of the storm is expected to cross over land in the Apalachicola area of Florida. Popular towns in that area include Port St Joe, Cape Sand Blas and Mexico Beach.

Thousands of Florida residents have already evacuated the "Big Bend" section and many are taking refuge in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Communities. Local marinas are reporting an abundance of boat slip rentals and lodging companies are offering evacuees reduced rates during the storm.

Due to the low elevation of Apalachicola area, the storm surge is a major concern for personal safety. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee even stated the surge could be “catastrophic and/or potentially unsurvivable” in it's storm update on Wednesday.

Local businesses and government are providing a comforting atmosphere to evacuees. They also encourage all residents to remember how important our support is during a time of need. Almost every Alabama coastal resident has been through a similar situation in the past.

Local power companies and charitable organizations have staged their workers just outside of the Hurricane Helene wind cone. If you would like to assist those in need after the storm please remember those organizations who have assisted in each recovery:

Red Cross Disaster Relief

Salvation Army Disaster Relief

BASS Pro Shops

RELATED ARTICLE:  Historic Hurricanes Which Impacted Alabama's Coast

SEE LIVE STORM UPDATES