Major Hurricane Helene is now likely a Category 4 hurricane at ~120kt/140mph based on new hurricane hunter data. It may still strengthen beyond this before landfall as the eye clears and the eyewall continues to intensify. #Helene #HurricaneHelene

Update 6:20 PM EDT Thurs: Helene now an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane A NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft currently investigating Helene recently found that the maximum sustained winds have increased to 130 mph (215 km/h). The minimum central pressure has also decreased

Update 7:00 PM EDT Thurs: Extremely dangerous Category 4 Helene heading towards the Florida Big Bend Sustained tropical-storm-force winds are being reported along the west coast of Florida, with wind gusts near hurricane-force. Tropical storm conditions are approaching the

Hurricane #Helene Advisory 14A: Extremely Dangerous Hurricane Helene Nearing the Northeast Gulf Coast. Catastrophic Storm Surge and Life-Threatening Winds Expected in The Florida Big Bend Area. hurricanes.gov

Major Hurricane Helene remains at Category 4 intensity, and appears to be having one last go at intensification. Hurricane hunters (albeit experiencing technical difficulties) have found the pressure beginning to drop again, and more ~140mph support. #Helene #HurricaneHelene

An extreme wind warning is in effect for Perry FL, Madison FL, Monticello FL until 12:00 AM EDT for extremely dangerous hurricane winds. Treat these imminent extreme winds as if a tornado was approaching and move immediately to an interior room or shelter NOW!

Update 9:00 PM EDT Thurs: Helene slightly stronger as its eye approaches the coast of the Florida Big Bend Coastal waters are rising along the west coast of Florida as storm conditions spread northward.

Update 10:00 PM EDT Thurs: Helene's eyewall is beginning to move ashore along the Florida Big Bend region. Helene is an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane. As catastrophic winds spread onshore, please do not leave your shelters and remain in place through the passage of

To address rumors - the NOAA WP-3D Orion N42RF #NOAA42 and crew are in good condition and have completed their mission. During their second of four eyewall passes in Hurricane #Helene, the crew orbited within the eye to release a second uncrewed aircraft system for research

NWS Jacksonville has lost power and so KJAX & KVAX radars are down. NWS New Orleans has assumed backup for us. Please take shelter overnight as Helene makes landfall and heed all warnings. #flwx #gawx

Hurricane #Helene Advisory 15: Hurricane Helene Very Close to Making Landfall in the Florida Big Bend. Accompanied By a Catastrophic Storm Surge and Life-Threatening Winds. hurricanes.gov

Tornado Warning including Estill SC, Furman SC and Scotia SC until 11:45 PM EDT

Tornado Warning including Lake City FL, Watertown FL and Five Points FL until 11:30 PM EDT

An extreme wind warning is in effect for Valdosta GA, Thomasville GA, Quitman GA until 2:00 AM EDT for extremely dangerous hurricane winds. Treat these imminent extreme winds as if a tornado was approaching and move immediately to an interior room or shelter NOW!

BREAKING: Two people were killed when a possible tornado struck a mobile home in South Georgia as Hurricane Helene approached, Wheeler County Sheriff Randy Rigdon says. apnews.com/article/hurric…

4+ houses floating away around us #Helene

11:20pm EDT 26th September -- #Hurricane #Helene has made landfall in the Florida Big Bend region at around 11:10pm EDT just E of the mouth of the Aucilla River. Max sustained winds at landfall were estimated at 140 mph & a min pressure of 938 mb. Info: nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/M…