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

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.

Fast-moving Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida's northwestern coast as a Category 4 storm Thursday evening, threatening a “catastrophic” storm surge as well as damaging winds,