MIAMI, FL - Residents along the Atlantic coastline from Florida to North Carolina are preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Zephyr, which rapidly intensified overnight into a Category 3 storm. The National Hurricane Center has issued a Hurricane Warning for a stretch of coastline including parts of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, predicting landfall late Thursday.

Heavy rainfall, potentially exceeding 10 inches in some areas, combined with storm surges of up to 8 feet are the primary concerns. Coastal communities are already experiencing flooding as pre-storm surges arrive.

Mandatory evacuations are underway in low-lying areas of several counties in Florida and Georgia. Shelters have opened, and emergency services are on high alert. State Governors have declared states of emergency, mobilizing the National Guard to assist with evacuations and potential rescue operations.

“This storm is not to be underestimated,” stated FEMA Administrator Deirdre Harris during a press conference this morning. “We urge all residents in the affected areas to heed the warnings of local officials and prioritize their safety. This means evacuating when told, securing property, and having a plan in place.”

Flights have been cancelled and schools are closed in the path of the storm. Businesses are boarding up windows and preparing for potential power outages.

The storm’s projected path continues to shift slightly, but forecasters predict Zephyr will make landfall near Savannah, Georgia late Thursday before moving inland and weakening over the weekend. Residents are urged to stay informed by monitoring local news and official weather reports, and to follow the instructions of emergency personnel. The potential for widespread flooding and significant property damage remains high.