Hurricane Helene barreling towards the U.S.

Hurricane Helene is gaining strength, and it is setting its sights on the Big Bend region of Florida. Nearly all of the state is under weather alert, and warning are extending into Georgia and the Carolinas. Reporter Olivianna Calmes has more.

Hurricane Helene barrels towards Florida

New video shows heavy rains from the storm's outer bands soaking the Miami area. On its current track, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Hurricane Helene is forecast to make landfall along the Florida Big Bend on Thursday evening as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of at least 115 mph. After landfall, Helene is forecast to slow down and turn northwest, moving over the Southeast through Friday and Saturday.

Live updates: Hurricane Helene forecast to hit Florida as Category 4 storm

Helene strengthened into a hurricane on Wednesday and is expected to strengthen further – potentially becoming a major hurricane – before making landfall over Florida on Thursday. Life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, torrential rain, and flooding are possible.

Hurricane Francine builds strength as it approaches

Hurricane Francine could strengthen into a Category 2 storm before making landfall late Wednesday. It's taking aim at Louisiana, but people along the Texas Gulf Coast are also getting prepared. Wind gusts of more than 100 mph are expected along with heavy rain and a storm surge of six to ten feet. People in New Orleans spent Tuesday filling sandbags, buying gas and stocking up on groceries. The majority of New Orleans sits below sea level, so flooding there is a top concern.

Hurricane Francine makes landfall in southern Louisiana

Hurricane Francine barreled into southern Louisiana on Wednesday evening as a category 2 storm, making landfall with destructive 100 mph winds and dangerous storm surge along the Bayou state's coastline.