A hurricane's category describes potential wind damage but does not describe other deadly hurricane hazards such as storm surge.

Ahead of Hurricane Helene's landfall, forecasters are predicting it will hit Florida as a Category 3 hurricane. Here's what that means

Hurricane Helene has made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm after forecasters predicted "a catastrophic and deadly storm surge" for the Sunshine State. Helene battered the shores around 11:10 p.

Between 0.5 and 2 inches of rain from Helene could fall through Sunday, while the threat of severe weather and flooding probably stays to our west.

Helene -- which strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane on Thursday -- is taking aim at Florida, where it's forecast to make landfall along the Big Bend area.

Florida residents are preparing for a heavy blow from Hurricane Helene as it moves toward Tallahassee, where it’s expected to make landfall Thursday night with winds reaching 140 mph and life-threatening storm surges.