Hurricane Helene has eased to a Category 1 storm, but still poses a huge threat across 12 states. NBC News' Jay Gray reports from Tallahassee, Florida, where residents dodged a direct hit.

Residents of the state’s capital stayed home Thursday, made last minute storm preparations or took solace in their decision to leave before the hurricane is scheduled to hit.

Ahead of Hurricane Helene's arrival, last-minute preparations were taking place in Tallahassee, where some gas stations had started to run out of gas.