Jamaicans living in Florida are bracing for the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which forecasters say could be catastrophic and life threatening.

The category 2 hurricane is on track to intensify quickly into a dangerous category four system by the time it makes landfall in Florida this evening.

The governors of Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina and Virginia have declared States of Emergency ahead of the Hurricane’s landfall.

Residents of Florida which is home to some 300,000 Jamaicans are reportedly making last minute preparations for the storm.

One woman in the Bay County area said she is somewhat scared, but she is praying for the best.

She noted that some people are not taking the hurricane seriously, as up to early this morning, they were out surfing.

Meantime, Consul General of Jamaica, in Miami, Oliver Mair told Irie FM News that various groups are preparing for the hurricane.

He urged Jamaicans in Florida to follow the advisories issued.