ORLANDO, Fla. – Helene strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday and is forecast to rapidly intensify.
Helene is still expected to grow into a major Category 4 hurricane as it makes landfall between Panama City and Cedar Key Thursday evening.
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Due to the size of Helene, the first squall line is forecast to arrive in Central Florida by Wednesday evening, producing a stretch of tropical downpours, gusty winds and even an isolated rotating storm.
Overnight rain bands will whip through the area, including some strong storms along the east coast.
After a bit of a lull in storm activity through Thursday morning and early Thursday afternoon, the worst of the weather is expected to move into Central Florida by Thursday afternoon and into the evening.
Forecast shows a line of strong storms spiraling into the area increasing our chance for tornadoes and tropical storm force wind gusts.
As Helene makes landfall Thursday evening, tropical storm wind gusts will be felt for much of the area along with tropical downpours. The worst of the weather should taper off by sundown on Thursday.
To see county-specific impacts, click here to see a full breakdown.
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