Evacuations are underway and the White House has declared a federal emergency for Florida as Helene rages over the Gulf at near-hurricane strength, bringing with it the prospect of life-threatening storm surge.

“You still have time to prepare, review your hurricane plan and make sure you are implementing your hurricane preparedness plan,” Governor Ron DeSantis said in a press conference Tuesday.

Although the storm is expected to make landfall somewhere in the Florida Panhandle or northern Gulf Coast, its impacts could extend much further. Residents in its possible path should prepare to be without power for up to a week.

(MORE: Hurricane Tracker Maps | Latest forecast)

Here is the latest information:

(11:00 a.m. ET) Helene is now a Category 1 hurricane

The latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center warns that Helene has reached hurricane strength, making it the fifth hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season out of the eight named storms that have formed. A tropical storm warning has also been issued along the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. Full forecast details can be found here.

(10:35 a.m. ET) University of Tampa Evacuations

The University of Tampa is working to evacuate all students living on campus by 1 p.m. ET today. This came after Hillsborough County emergency officials called for a mandatory evacuation of Evacuation Zone A. Residence halls will be closed and no entry will be permitted after evacuations are complete. The university says only campus security and building staff will be allowed on campus after 1 p.m.

(10:00 a.m. ET) Pinellas County issues evacuation orders

Pinellas County authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents of “Zone A” as well as all mobile home residents throughout the county. Public shelters are open. To find your evacuation zone in Pinellas County, click here.

(9:55 a.m. ET) Utilities prepare their resources, outages likely

Power outages are expected in parts of Florida, with widespread impacts across much of the state, Georgia, South Carolina and parts of neighboring states. The largest outages are expected in North and Central Florida. Authorities are urging people to prepare for outages that could last up to a week. Several utility companies have allocated resources and personnel to Helene.

(9:45 a.m. ET) Storm surge could reach 15 feet

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service warn that the storm surge could rise as high as 15 feet (4.5 meters) above ground in some parts of Florida. Although the impacts will be less severe, the rest of the state's coast is also at risk. “The entire Florida coast will be affected by the storm surge,” the agency said.

(9:20 a.m. ET) Boat owners: Secure your vessels now

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is urging boat owners to secure their boats now ahead of Helene's arrival. Owners should land their boat as far away from tidal waters as possible. If that is not possible, special measures should be taken to protect a moored or anchored boat. Boat owners are reminded not to remain aboard their boat to try to “ride out” the storm. “If you are aboard during a severe storm, you are risking your life and the lives of any potential responders,” the agency wrote in a news release. In some cases, a marina evacuation may be mandatory.

(9:00 a.m. ET) Some sandbags are still available today

(6:00 a.m. ET) Will Disney close?

If you're planning a trip to Florida's theme parks this week, be sure to stay tuned for the latest updates. While it's rare for major parks to close completely, outdoor events may be canceled or individual rides and attractions may be temporarily closed.

Most parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal in Orlando and Busch Gardens in Tampa, have a dedicated section on their websites for weather alerts and ticket policies.

(5:00 a.m. ET) Florida universities cancel classes

Among the state universities and colleges announcing closures:

-Florida A&M University, Tuesday through Friday.

-Florida Gulf Coast University, Wednesday night through Thursday.

-Florida Polytechnic University, Thursday.

-Florida State University, Wednesday through Sunday.

-New College of Florida, Wednesday through Friday.

-University of Central Florida, Thursday.

-University of North Florida, Thursday and Friday.

-University of South Florida, Wednesday through Friday.