Thursday report: Walton, Okaloosa Counties brace for Hurricane Helene. Here's the latest.

Officials from Okaloosa and Walton Counties are continuing to prepare as the landfall of Hurricane Helene approaches.

Here is what you need to know.

National Hurricane Center update on Hurricane Helene

As of the 10 a.m. Thursday advisory from the National Hurricane Center , Helene is a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. Helene is located 255 miles southwest of Tampa and is moving north-northeast at 14 mph.

Helene is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane and make landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida late Thursday with a life-threatening storm surge of up to 20 feet in some areas.

The NHC continues by saying that hurricane-force winds extend 60 miles from the storm's center, with tropical-storm-force winds extending another 345 miles from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Helene live updates: Category 2 storm impacting Florida. When landfall is expected

What impact will Hurricane Helene have on Okaloosa County and Walton County?

According to the National Weather Service, Okaloosa County and Walton County's highest chance of impacts will occur along the coast, as surf conditions will see breakers as high as 11 feet along local beaches, causing deadly rip currents and minor coastal flooding.

Wind impacts are more favorable in Walton County, as the NWS says the eastern portions of the county has a tropical storm wind speed probability of 40% to 50%.

Rainfall forecasts have decreased slightly in both counties. Forecasters believe Okaloosa County will see up to 2 inches of rain, while Walton County may see up to 4 inches of accumulation.

More storm coverage: Eglin Air Force Base moves to mission-essential staffing because of Hurricane Helene

Shelter information for Walton County and Okaloosa County

Walton County Emergency Management has opened a state-supported shelter at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center, 361 N. 10th St. While the shelter is open to aid neighbors evacuating from the east, Walton County residents who feel unsafe in their homes are also welcome to visit the shelter.

The shelter is open to the general population and pets; the shelter will be able to accommodate special-needs guests by this afternoon.

No mandatory evacuation orders have been given at this time.

Further information on Hurricane Helene

Okaloosa and Walton counties have resources that allow residents and tourists to receive up-to-the-minute updates if Helene's track shifts to the west.

In Okaloosa County, residents can sign up for a free emergency alert system that will update watches and warnings, road closures and evacuation notices based on your specific address. To sign up for these alerts, text "OKALOOSAFL" to 888777 or register online at member.everbridge.net/index/892807736724689#/signup .

Walton County uses the same emergency notification program as Okaloosa County. However, you can only sign up for these notifications online at www.co.walton.fl.us/1369/AlertWalton .

Sandbags available in Okaloosa and Walton counties

Sandbags are available. It is important to note that sandbags are best used against flooding and not for storm surges.

In Okaloosa County, sandbags are available at the following locations:

• Stillwell Park, 710 Essex Road, Fort Walton Beach
• Public Works North, 1759 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview.
• Public Works Yard, 920 Cedar Ave., Niceville

In Walton County, sandbags are available at the following locations:

• Blue Mountain Pit, 924 County Road 83, South Walton
• Vacant lot behind Freeport Annex on Blue Ridge Parkway

Sand and bags will be available at both locations for Walton County residents; however, officials ask that you bring your own shovel.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Thursday report: Walton, Okaloosa Counties brace for Hurricane Helene. Here's the latest.