Hurricane Helene strengthens into a Category 3 storm as it moves towards Columbus

Hurricane Helene is now a major hurricane after being upgraded to a Category 3 storm, according to Accuweather.

The storm continues to intensify in the Gulf of Mexico, and currently has sustained winds surpassing 120 mph. Helene is expected to make landfall later tonight near the Big Bend in Florida. Columbus should begin seeing the impacts from the storm overnight and into Friday morning.

Georgia officials warned yesterday that the storm is expected to become a Category 4 hurricane , and will bring hurricane-force winds to a greater number of counties, including Muscogee County, than previously anticipated.

Flooding and power outages are expected to be widespread across the state, and the southeastern counties in Georgia have a higher risk for tornadoes, according to a Sept. 26 update by GEMA .

The remnants of Helene should exit the state by Friday afternoon.