Helene strengthens into a Category 4 hurricane as it nears landfall

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – The National Hurricane Center reports that Helene is now a Category 4 major hurricane with maximum sustained wind gusts of 130 mph.

Helene will land in the Big Bend region of Florida this evening.

The Eye of Helene will likely pass less than 150 miles west of the Suncoast area. With this in mind, the Suncoast will be on the “dirty” side of the hurricane, i.e. the east side.

Storm surge will be a factor, with Manatee County expected to flood between five and eight feet. Sarasota County expects a little less, between four and seven feet. There is currently a flood watch for the entire Suncoast and minor flooding.

Heavy rain is expected to continue as more of Helene's outer rain bands move through the Sunny Coast. As the storm moves north, the core of the storm remains offshore, but its very large wind field means most of Florida will see significant impacts.

Conditions are expected to worsen overnight, with the most damaging winds and rainfall occurring during the day on Thursday.

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