Hurricane Helene could cause $3 billion to $6 billion in private insurance losses and as much as $1 billion in losses in federal flood-insurance and crop-insurance programs, according to an analysis Wednesday by the global reinsurance broker Gallagher Re.The analysis came as Helene is expected Thursday night to slam into North Florida as a major hurricane, after whipping up heavy storm surge in coastal communities as it races through the Gulf of Mexico.

Lee County will open two Safe Havens on Wednesday afternoon.

The U.S Geological Service forecast that soon-to-be Huricane Helene is so strong it will send waves overtopping the beaches and dunes everywhere on Florida's Gulf Coast leading to a "worst-case scenario"

Potential Tropical Cyclone # 9 is expected to become Tropical Storm Helene by Tuesday. Impacts to Florida could arrive as early as Wednesday.

Crews continue to clean up after Debby more than 2 weeks after it made landfall in Florida. Debby left a trail of debris, floods and more.

Pine Island’s utility poles along Stringfellow Road are seeing pops of color once again. The project’s revitalization represents the island’s recovery following Hurricane Ian.

Hurricane Debby had caused $116.15 million in estimated insured losses in Florida as of Friday, with claims continuing to come in, according to data on the state Office of Insurance Regulation website.

The National Hurricane Center is debuting a new forecast cone. It includes some of the most significant changes to the forecast track in over 7 years.

Ernesto will continue to gain strength as it moves again from the Caribbean and remains far away from Florida, but swells and surf will be rough and high late this week and through the weekend.

Estimated insured losses from Hurricane Debby reached $113.8 million Wednesday, as claims continue to be filed after the storm, which made landfall Aug. 5 in Taylor County, according to data on the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website. Insurers reported they had received 15,326 claims as of Wednesday, including 9,416 involving residential property. Other types of claims included damage to vehicles and commercial property.