Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico.
The storm is close to being a Category 2 storm and currently has maximum sustained winds of around 90 mph (145 km/h).
Helene’s winds are expected to increase rapidly over the next 20 hours.
Photos: Hurricane Helene hits Florida as major storm
Helene is forecast to become a dangerous Category 3 hurricane before it hits Florida on Thursday night.
The storm is expected to make landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Helene will bring dangerous wind gusts and catastrophic storm surge of 15 to 20 feet to Apalachee Bay and parts of northern Big Bend, increasing the threat of widespread hurricane-force winds.
Read: Hurricane Evacuation: Helpful Apps to Find Gas, Hotel Rooms, and Traffic Directions
Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for most of Central Florida, with a hurricane warning in effect for western Marion County.
The biggest concern in Central Florida is the risk of isolated tornadoes in Helene’s outer rain areas.
Read: Hurricane Tips: What to Do to Prepare
Conditions will deteriorate throughout the day on Thursday as Helene moves rapidly north.
Officials are urging residents near the storm to evacuate.
Helene is scheduled to arrive in Atlanta around 9 a.m. Friday.
Channel 9 continues to monitor Helene and provide updates via Eyewitness News.
Follow our Severe Weather team on X for live updates:
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David Heckard
