At least 22 deaths have been reported and millions are without power in six states as Helene makes its way inland

8:20 a.m. - Weather officials indicate Hurricane Helene has strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane, meaning it has sustained winds of 100 mph or greater. Officials announced Wednesday they expect the storm to eventually reach Category 4 status.

The storm made landfall in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm as forecasters warned the enormous system could create a “nightmare” storm surge and bring dangerous winds and rain across