Tornado watches extended through Friday morning

As of the 8 p.m. update, Hurricane Helene was 80 miles west-southwest of Cedar Key, and 115 miles south of Tallahassee, the National Hurricane Center said in a rare, 8 p.m. update on Thursday. The storm is moving north-northeast at 23 mph.

Hurricane Helene strengthens to Category 2 storm

Hurricane Helene strengthened into a Category 2 storm in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday and is expected to strengthen further – potentially becoming a major Category 4 hurricane – before making landfall over Florida on Thursday.

Live updates: Hurricane Helene forecast to hit Florida as Category 4 storm

Helene strengthened into a hurricane on Wednesday and is expected to strengthen further – potentially becoming a major hurricane – before making landfall over Florida on Thursday. Life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, torrential rain, and flooding are possible.

Helene expected to intensify in coming hours

Hurricane Helene formed on Wednesday and is projected to intensify into a major hurricane (Category 4) over the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Helene brings threats of tornadoes on Thursday

Hurricane Helene formed on Wednesday and is projected to intensify into a major hurricane (Category 4) over the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Helene expected to bring heavy rain

Hurricane Helene formed on Wednesday and is projected to intensify into a major hurricane (Category 4) over the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, according to the National Hurricane Center.