Helene upgraded to Category 3 hurricane as tornado watch now in place in Macon-Bibb County

Hurricane Helene has grown to a Category 3 storm as it nears landfall in Florida, the National Weather Service announced.

This means sustained winds could reach up to 120 mph, according to the NWS.

Also, Macon-Bibb County was placed under tornado watch around 2:45 p.m. Thursday. The watch is in effect until 9 p.m.

This announcement came minutes after county Mayor Lester Miller declared a local state of emergency.

Steven Hawkins, director of the county’s Emergency Management Agency, recommended people to shelter in place by 8 p.m. Thursday until Friday morning.

Hurricane Helene’s path along Georgia’s western border would have to dramatically shift in order for Macon to avoid damage. Forecasters had not predicted any major shifts by 3 p.m. Thursday.

“Even if the track shifts left of right, the storm would have to shift to almost New Orleans... or all the way out to the Atlantic to see changes,” Hawkins said during a livestream on Instagram Thursday.