Helene prepares for the test in Panama City and Bay County, Florida: Here’s the latest information.

(This article has been updated to accurately reflect the latest information.)

Hurricane Helene was gaining strength Wednesday and was headed for landfall Thursday along Florida’s Big Bend region. The storm could reach Category 3 or even Category 4 strength, according to forecasters. Stay tuned for updates throughout Wednesday.

Bay County introduced U.S. Sen. Rick Scott in a public briefing Wednesday afternoon. He stressed the importance of taking the storm seriously and staying in touch with official sources of information.

During the briefing, it was announced that the Bay County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has entered a Level 2 activation phase and will move to a Level 1 activation phase on Thursday, said Matthew Lindewirth, Bay County Emergency Services Chief.

Hurricane Helene heads toward the Panhandle on September 25; officials ask residents to be vigilant

Bay County and the Panhandle in Florida are preparing for Hurricane Helene. Government officials, including U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, briefed residents on Sept. 25.

The county has brought in first responders to be ready to respond to calls. If the storm moves west and becomes too windy for first responders to safely respond to the call, there will be a short period when they will not be available. Bay County does not plan to open shelters unless the forecast changes for the worse.

Bay officials encourage residents to sign up for Alert Bay to receive the most important information from the county.

— Dylan Gentile

Bay District Schools has made the decision to close all schools and district offices on Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27.

– Deon Tay Smith

Tyndall Air Force Base said in a Facebook post that it had become a hurricane (HURCON) 2, meaning winds of 50 knots were expected to reach the base within 24 hours.

Authorities say the planes were safely evacuated from the base and are advising airmen from Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Liberty and Leon counties to evacuate.

— Dylan Gentile

With Hurricane Helene expected to bring heavy rains to Bay County this week, crews in Panama City Beach worked Wednesday to lower water levels in Lullwater Lake, according to a city news release.

“By late (Wednesday) afternoon, residents of Lullwater Lake should expect the water to drop by about a foot,” the release reads. “The reduction in the lake’s water level allows the city to create more water storage capacity and better manage stormwater.”

PCB officials noted that the water level in the lake may appear low before the storm, but it should return to normal after heavy rains.

—Nathan Cobb

The city of Lynn Haven declared a local state of emergency Wednesday in anticipation of extreme weather Thursday. The city is predicting Hurricane Helene will cause dangerous tropical storm surge, high winds, flash flooding and possible local tornadoes. The state of emergency will be in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday. The resolution was adopted to comply with FEMA disaster reimbursement requirements.

City officials ask residents to contact [email protected] with questions related to the storm.

— Dylan Gentile

“Helene will be the worst hurricane in living memory for many Floridians, including those in Tallahassee.” Read the full story here.

In a press release issued Wednesday morning, Panama City officials announced that a commission had adopted an executive order declaring a local state of emergency in response to Hurricane Helene, which is expected to make landfall Thursday afternoon.

The decision was made at an extraordinary meeting of the commission on Wednesday.

“This state of emergency will allow the city to seek reimbursement for emergency protection, preparedness, and response expenses,” the release said. “This will allow for state and federal assistance if needed.”

Additional precautions the city is taking this week include:

Distribution of over 4,000 sandbags
Implementation of backup generators for rainwater pumps
Reducing the level of sewage in treatment plants
Installation of backup generators and bypass pumps in wastewater infrastructure, including pumping stations.

“Panama City remains under a tropical storm warning,” the statement said. “Residents should continue to make storm preparations and emergency/safety plans.”

—Nathan Cobb

All Gulf Coast State College campuses will be closed beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25.

— Deon Tay Smith

The storm continues to strengthen. Get the latest updates here.

Hurricane Helene Update: September 24

Listen to Matthew Lindewirth, Chief of Emergency Services for Bay County, as he provides an update on the hurricane on Tuesday, September 24.

Panama City − Sand, bags and shovels available at 3404 W. 19th St.
Panama City Beach – Sand, bags and shovels are available at the Frank Brown Park Community Center located at 16200 Panama City Beach Pkwy.
Lynn Haven – Sand, bags and shovels are available at the Lynn Haven Sports Complex, located at 2201 Recreation Drive.
Mexico Beach – Sand, bags and shovels are available at the Mexico Beach City Hall, located at 201 Paradise Path.

It is important for residents to remember that a limit of 10 sandbags per household applies in all areas.

—Nathan Cobb

All eyes are on Hurricane Helene, but there is more activity in the tropics. Details here.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday urged Floridians to prepare for a major hurricane. More details here.

(This story has been updated to include new information)

(This story has been updated to change or add a photo or video.)