Helene -- which has strengthened to a major Category 4 hurricane -- made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida on Thursday with 140 mph winds.
Gov. DeSantis confirms 1st death in Florida as Hurricane Helene makes landfall
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a press conference late Thursday night that there has been one fatality as Hurricane Helene's dangerous conditions bombard the state.
The death occurred on the I-4 highway near Tampa when a sign fell on a car.
"It just shows you that there are very dangerous conditions out there," DeSantis said.
DeSantis warned Floridians that there may be additional loss of life and property Thursday night and into Friday morning.
"When we wake up in the morning, chances are there will be more fatalities," DeSantis said.
Authorities announced that there are already reports of downed power lines and flooded roadways. Many major bridges have been closed, and most bridges in Tampa Bay have been closed, the governor said.
Steinhatchee may be experiencing clear skies due to being in the eye of the hurricane, Florida Emergency Management Executive Kevin Guthrie said. He warned those within the eye to remain indoors and continue to shelter in place.
A priority in the coming hours will be to restore power, the governor said. Meals, bottled water, Starlink services and fuel will be made available to those in need and will be standing by.
DeSantis said another press conference will be scheduled for the morning.
-ABC News' Victoria Arancio
Over 1 million now without power in Florida
Just after Hurricane Helene made landfall over Florida, the number of customers without power crossed the 1 million mark.
Outages extended into neighboring Southern states with over 46,000 customers without power in Georgia and over 12,400 customers without power in North Carolina, according to powerouttages.us.
Virginia and South Carolina are facing power outages as well with over 7,200 and over 5,500 customers without power in each state respectively.
Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Florida, nearly 1 million without power
Hurricane Helene has officially made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida as a major Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds.
The storm touched down near Perry, Florida, just east of the mouth of the Aucilla River.
This marks the first Category 4 hurricane to make landfall in Florida's Big Bend Region since at least 1859.
There are over 970,000 customers without power in Florida, according to poweroutages.us.
More than 800,000 customers without power in Florida
The number of people losing power in Florida Thursday night is rising rapidly as Hurricane Helene approaches landfall.
As of 11 p.m. ET, more than 800,000 customers were without power in Florida, according to poweroutages.us
Latest forecast
Hurricane Helene is forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane between 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 pm. Thursday in Florida's Big Bend region.
Because Helene is a very large hurricane, it will impact nearly all of Florida.
Helene is set to bring catastrophic storm surge up to 20 feet to the Big Bend area. Four to 8 feet of storm surge is expected around Tampa Bay.
The major 110 mph winds will cause widespread tree damage and power outages across the Florida Panhandle and the Big Bend area.
Tornado watches are in effect for most of Florida and parts of Georgia and South Carolina through Thursday night.
By Friday morning, Helene will weaken to a tropical storm as it moves north through Atlanta with heavy rain and strong winds.
Georgia should be prepared for hurricane-force wind gusts to cause damage and power outages.
Rainfall totals from Helene will be 6 to 12 inches, with locally up to 20 inches in some areas.
Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding, as well as significant landslides, are expected across portions of the southern Appalachians through Friday. There is an extreme flood risk from Tallahassee, Florida, to Atlanta to Asheville, North Carolina.
-ABC News' Melissa Griffin