Most of the area around Apalachee Bay is undeveloped state-protected land. There are a few exceptions. Horseshoe Beach is a pre-planned development that juts out into the Bay. It is perched on the dangerous side of Helene's expected path, on the "dirty" east side where winds and the surge are the highest.

Not only is Helene strong, the hurricane is massive. Here's why size will make a big difference when it comes to landfall in Florida.

By Tuesday, the center already had begun warning about the increased risk for tornadoes as Helene moves up through the U.S. Edwards is among the forecasters who say Helene's huge size increases the risk of tornadoes, creating more worries for people far away from the coast where the storm first arrives.