FLAT ROCK, North Carolina >> States across the Southeastern U.S. started a massive cleanup and recovery effort on Sunday after winds, rain and storm surges from Hurricane Helene snuffed out power for millions,

Hurricane Helene was gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico on a path for the Big Bend area on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Helene is expected to bring massive amounts of life-threatening storm surge to nearly the entire Gulf Coast. Forecasters now expect up to 20 feet of storm surge above ground in the Big Bend area. But damaging levels will be felt further south, including up to 8 feet above ground in the Tampa Bay area.