Helene to strengthen in Gulf, hit Florida

The National Hurricane Center says Helene should become a hurricane as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico.

"The storm is forecast to rapidly strengthen over the eastern Gulf of Mexico and become a major hurricane on Thursday," the NHC advised.

It is on a track to hit Florida.

"On the forecast track, the center of Helene will... reach the Big Bend coast of Florida late Thursday."

It will pack a big punch.

"Helene is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 5 to 10 inches with isolated totals around 15 inches. This rainfall will likely result in areas of considerable flash and urban flooding."

The system will also push water ashore.

"The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline."

Storm surge up to 15 feet is forecast.

Winds are expected to top 120 miles per hour.

Tornadoes are possible too.