The Big Bend coast is on the verge of “catastrophic” wind damage, flooding from heavy rains, tornadoes and deadly storm surges, the National Weather Service office in Tallahassee warned early today.

The damaging winds would be felt far inland in the state and into Georgia, the report said.

Last night, the Tallahassee office reported that the forecast was a “nightmare scenario for the Apalachee Bay.”

“Please, please, please take all evacuation orders seriously!” it said.

Florida is facing 48 hours of dangerous extreme weather as Hurricane Helene moves across the Gulf of Mexico. NBC News meteorologist Angie Lassman has the latest forecast on Early Today.