Weather

Hurricane Milton update: Hurricane Milton has strengthened into a Category 5 storm. Florida is ordering evacuations as several counties work to clear debris brought by Helene.

Hurricane Milton has rapidly intensified and is now a major Cat 4 hurricane with max winds of 150 mph. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis provides update.

The latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center reports that Hurricane Milton has now reached Category 3 status as wind speeds continue to quickly intensify, the NHC's Director, Michael Brennan tracks the storm for LiveNOW.

The death toll in Georgia due to Hurricane Helene has risen to 33, with a total of nearly 200 fatalities across the South. The estimated cost of the storm's damage in Georgia is $417 million, which is expected to increase as more counties report their losses. The Georgia National Guard has deployed approximately 2,000 members to assist with recovery efforts, and President Joe Biden has authorized increased federal disaster assistance for the state. Frances Floresca is an Augusta, Georgia resident, and freelance reporter. She joins LiveNOW from FOX to share insight to the recovery in her community.

Democratic presidential nominee, and current Vice President Kamala Harris pledged ongoing federal support as she visited North Carolina on Saturday. This is Harris' second trip in four days to the disaster zone. The vice president was in Charlotte one day after a visit to the state by Republican Donald Trump, who is spreading false claims about the federal response to the disaster.

Hurricane Helene recovery continues across the southeastern portion of the United States. As of this report, more than 200 people have died. It?s the worst storm to hit the U.S. mainland since Katrina in 2005. Non-profits, such as Operation Blessing, are responding with aid deliveries and other assistance. Diego Traverso, Director of International Disaster Relief, joins LiveNOW from FOX.

FOX 35 meteorologist Brooks Garner explains how hurricane Helene?s landfall in Florida led to catastrophic flooding in North Carolina?s Appalachian Mountains. He breaks down the massive transport of water vapor from the tropics, the role of the upslope effect in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and why this storm was so destructive in areas far from the coast.

Dolly Parton donated $1 million of her own money to Hurricane Helene relief efforts, the country music star announced Friday. Parton's Dollywood also added an additional $1 million to the relief fund, donating to The Mountain Ways Foundation. (Walmart)

Marty Bahamonde, Senior Spokesperson for FEMA, joined LiveNOW from FOX's Christy Matino to discuss misinformation surrounding funding allocation for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.