Helene has intensified into a hurricane and is expected to become a major hurricane (Cat. 3+) as it approaches the Florida Gulf Coast this Thursday. Conditions are very favorable for rapid intensification in the Gulf of Mexico as Helene moves over very warm water and encounters very little wind shear. Helene will have impacts on our weather in Alabama Thursday into Friday.

For the latest on Central Alabama impacts, check out our latest forecast discussion.

Impacts

Significant storm surge is likely in Florida, with some spots in Florida's Big Bend and Nature Coast seeing up to 15 feet of surge.

Catastrophic flash flooding is possible in parts of Florida, Georgia, East Tennessee, and western North and South Carolina, with additional flash flooding possible across Alabama.

Destructive winds are likely near landfall, with some isolated locations at landfall seeing sustained winds above 115 mph and gusts above 150 mph. Tropical Storm Force winds will extend well beyond the landfall point, with the potential for tropical storm force winds from East Alabama to the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

Tornadoes are likely across parts of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas east of the center of Helene Thursday into Friday, but no tornado threat exists in Alabama.

Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:

Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes, Meteorologist Alex Puckett, and Meteorologist Jacob Woods.