LIVE UPDATES: Hurricane Helene strengthens into dangerous Category 4 storm

ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9 meteorologists are tracking Hurricane Helene as it continues to gain strength in the Gulf of Mexico.

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7 p.m. update

The International Space Station captured video as it passed over Hurricane Helene.

See the video below:

6:53 p.m. update:

A tornado warning was issued for Polk County until 7 p.m.

These include Lakeland, Plant City and Medulla.

6:19 p.m. update:

Hurricane Hunters have found Helene has become a dangerous Category 4 major hurricane.

Air Force Hurricane Hunters have found maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.

This makes Helene a Category 4 major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico.

Helene will make landfall later tonight in the Big Bend, bringing catastrophic storm surge and extremely powerful hurricane-force winds.

6 p.m. update:

Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant Steve Gaskins spoke with WFTV about what drivers need to know as Hurricane Helene approaches.

See his tips in the video below:

5 p.m. update:

Meteorologist David Heckard said Helene continues to intensify in the Gulf of Mexico, with a major hurricane strike to the Big Bend increasingly likely.

The 5 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center estimated maximum sustained winds to be 125 mph, making Helene a Category 3 major hurricane.

Additional strengthening is forecast, and Helene could be a Category 4 by landfall tonight.

A catastrophic storm surge of 15-20 feet is still forecast for Apalachee Bay and portions of northern Big Bend, with the threat of widespread hurricane-force winds becoming highly likely in the area.

Tropical storm warnings continue for the majority of Central Florida, with a hurricane warning for western Marion County.

A tornado watch continues for most of Central Florida until 8 p.m., and rain squalls with strong winds and isolated tornadoes are possible tonight.

4:27 p.m. update:

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning in Volusia County until 4:45 p.m.

Deltona, DeLand, and Orange City are included in this warning.

4:10 p.m. update:

Gov. Ron DeSantis to speak in Tallahassee at 5:00 p.m. to give updates on Hurricane Helene.

3:20 p.m. update:

Food delivery app DoorDash has suspended service in parts of Florida and Georgia over Hurricane Helene.

DoorDash said it has activated its “Severe Weather Protocol” and suspended operations across parts of Florida’s Big Bend and southern Georgia.

Read: New to Florida? 9 helpful tips to get you through a hurricane

The company said the decision was made to protect their delivery drivers from dangerous hurricane conditions, including storm surge, street flooding and strong winds.

The areas wee DoorDash operations has been temporarily suspended including Tallahassee, Panama City, Gainesville, Spring Hill, Fitzgerald, Americus, Douglas, Sylvester, Hawkinsville, and surrounding areas.

Officials said operations are expected to resume around 1 p.m. on Friday, but it depends on safety and ground conditions.

Watch: Utility companies across Central Florida brace for Helene

2:30 p.m. update:

The National Hurricane Center reported Hurricane Helene is now a Category 3 storm.

Helene now has maximum sustained winds around 120 mph.

Additional strengthening is possible before Helene makes landfall in the Big Bend on Thursday night.

1:55 p.m. update:

The National Hurricane Center reported Hurricane Helene is right on the edge of becoming a Category 3 storm.

Helene now has maximum sustained winds around 110 mph. The storm will officially be upgraded to Category 3 with recorded winds of 111 mph.

The storm is moving north-northeast at 16 mph.

NHC says Helene will continue to rapidly intensify before making landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida.

Watch live continuing coverage on Channel 9.

1:30 p.m. update:

During severe weather, a power outage could leave you without access to much-needed electronics.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, people should make sure everything is fully charged before a potential power outage.

Here are some tips to help ensure you stay connected if the power goes out:

Read: How to keep your electronics charged when the power is out

12:40 p.m. update:

Leaders in Orange County are planning to hold a news conference on Hurricane Helene on Thursday.

The news conference is planned for 3 p.m. from the Orange County Emergency Operations Center in Winter Park.

Orlando Utilities Commission, Duke Energy, and Orange County Public Schools representatives will also be on hand.

Read: Mayor of Orange County to give update on Hurricane Helene

11:50 a.m. update:

Universal Orlando Resort announced it has canceled its Halloween Horror Nights event on Thursday.

Other theme parks and attractions around Central Florida have announced closures or changes due to Hurricane Helene.

Read: Hurricane Helene: These Florida theme parks are closed for inclement weather

11 a.m. update:

The National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Helene has strengthened into a powerful Category 2 storm.

Helene has maximum sustained winds around 105 mph. It will become a Category 3 if it reaches winds of 111 mph.

Read: Hurricane safety: 16 tips that could save your life during a storm

The storm is moving north-northeast through the eastern Gulf of Mexico at 14 mph.

Forecast data continues to show Helene making landfall near Apalachee Bay in the Big Bend area of Florida.

Helene will bring catastrophic damage to the area.

The storm will speed up before making landfall which will help it maintain its strength as it moves over the southeastern U.S.

Read: Hurricane season: What is the Saffir-Simpson scale; how does it work; is there a Category 6?

Helene could remain a Category 1 hurricane as it moves over Atlanta or central Georgia Friday morning.

Channel 9 will continue to provide coverage of Hurricane Helene on WFTV.

10:40 a.m. update:

A tornado warning was extended to include parts of Volusia County.

The warning area includes parts of New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater and Glencoe.

The advisory is expected to last until 11 a.m.

WFTV has live coverage on Channel 9.

10:18 a.m. update:

A Tornado Warning was issued for parts of Brevard County.

The advisory includes parts of Mims and Turnbull.

The warning is expected to last until 10:45 a.m.

WFTV has live coverage on Channel 9.

10:15 a.m. update:

Though Hurricane Helene is forecast to make landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida, the risk of flooding rain is still possible is parts of Central Florida.

Several areas in Central Florida have seen flooding during major storms over the last few months.

Outer rain bands from Helene could bring more flooding to parts of Central Florida as the storm continues its move through the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Here are some things you can do before, during and after flooding occurs:

Read: What to do before, during and after a flood

9:25 a.m. update:

Airport officials around Florida said travelers need to check their flight status in advance due to Hurricane Helene.

Read: Check your flight: Most Central Florida airports open as Hurricane Helene strengthens

Most airports in Central Florida remain open and in normal operation.

Though Helene is projected to impact Florida’s Big Bend area, outer rain bands can still produce storms and tornados in our area.

Tampa International Airport suspended operations at 2 a.m. Thursday because of Helene.

The airport said it will remain closed to the public until after the storm passes.

8:35 a.m. update:

Gov. Ron DeSantis will hold a news conference Wednesday morning to give updates on Hurricane Helene.

Watch at 9 a.m.: Gov. DeSantis to give update on Hurricane Helene

The governor is planning to speak around 9 a.m. from the state emergency operation center in Tallahassee.

WFTV will have live coverage of DeSantis’ news conference on Ch. 9.

7:45 a.m. update:

The National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Helene has strengthened into a Category 2 storm.

Read: Hurricane safety: What are hurricane categories and what do they mean?

Helene now has maximum sustained winds around 100 mph.

The storm is moving north-northeast through the central Gulf of Mexico at 12 mph.

7 a.m. update:

A tornado watch advisory has been issued for nearly all of Central Florida.

The new advisory includes every Central Florida county except for Flagler County.

The tornado watch is expected to last until at least 8 p.m.

However, the tornado threat will last until midnight.

Read: Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning? What you need to know

A tornado “watch” is issued when tornadoes are possible, but it does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.

Channel 9 Eyewitness News will have live coverage on WFTV if any tornado warnings are issued.

Original report:

Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm is nearly a Category 2 storm and currently has maximum sustained winds around 90 mph.

Helene is expected to rapidly intensify in the next 20 hours.

Photos: Hurricane Helene to impact Florida as major storm

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Hurricane Helene to impact Florida as major storm

Helene is forecast to become a dangerous Category 3 hurricane before it impacts Florida Thursday night.

The storm is projected to make landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Helene will bring dangerous winds and a catastrophic storm surge of 15 to 20 feet to Apalachee Bay and portions of northern Big Bend, with the threat of widespread hurricane-force winds increasing.

Read: Hurricane evacuation: Helpful apps for finding gas, hotel rooms, traffic routes

Tropical Storm Warnings continue for the vast majority of Central Florida, with a hurricane warning for western Marion County.

The biggest concern in Central Florida will be the risk of isolated tornados from Helene’s outer rain bands.

Read: Hurricane tips: What you should do to prepare

Conditions will worsen as the day progresses Thursday, as Helene quickly lifts northward.

Officials are urging residents in the path of the storm to evacuate.

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From Alberto to William, what will the 2024 hurricane names be?

Helene should be over Atlanta around 9 a.m. on Friday.

Channel 9 will continue to monitor Helene and provide updates on Eyewitness News.

Follow our Severe Weather team on X for live updates:

• Chief meteorologist Tom Terry
• Brian Shields
• Kassandra Crimi
• David Heckard

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