Hurricane Helene upgraded to Category 4 storm ahead of expected Florida landfall

Hurricane Helene strengthened into a Category 4 storm hours ahead of its expected landfall on Florida's northwest coast Thursday night as forecasters warned that the enormous system could create a "nightmare" storm surge and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern U.S.

Hurricane Helene upgraded to Category 4 storm ahead of expected Florida landfall
The Gulf of Mexico's water pushes up against the beach as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

Hurricane Helene strengthened into a Category 4 storm hours ahead of its expected landfall on Florida's northwest coast Thursday night as forecasters warned that the enormous system could create a "nightmare" storm surge and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern U.S.