(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
As Florida prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Helen e and the potential for heavy rainfall and minor coastal flooding in the Pensacola area, hazardous weather conditions are prompting officials to make several closures.
The National Weather Service Mobile Office is forecasting marine and coastal impacts from Hurricane Helene including dangerously high surf, deadly rip currents, strong winds and high waves. The weather is expected to click in high gear beginning late tonight and into early Friday morning.
The Navarre Beach Pier will close at 7 p.m. tonight due to expected hazardous weather conditions. The pier is expected to reopen at 8 a.m. Friday morning.
Hurricane Helene: Storm moves into Gulf of Mexico; could become Cat 2 hurricane Wednesday night
Escambia County Public Schools announced that all schools and district offices will be closed on Thursday. School officials feared that high winds could endanger school bus travel, and also noted the potential for heavy rains and significant tornadic activity.