The National Hurricane Center's latest update at 5 p.m. ET has indicated that Hurricane Helene is intensifying as it moves northward over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It is projected to reach Category 4 strength by the time it reaches landfall later tonight.
Helene is already a formidable storm, with a wind field that extends over hundreds of miles. Storm surge has begun affecting the Gulf Coast of Florida, from Tampa northward, and officials are warning of potentially catastrophic flooding in parts of the Southeast. Coastal residents have been urged to evacuate to ensure their safety.
Even if Helene does not reach Category 5 status, it is expected to be one of the most destructive storms to hit the Gulf Coast in recent memory.
