Helene strengthening with pressure down to 995 mb and maximum sustained winds up to 50 mph. Still projected to become a Cat 3! Hurricane Warnings and Storm Surge Warnings issued! 10-15 ft storm surge!

From the NHC: Helene's forecast radii are at the 90th percentile of

major hurricane size at similar latitudes, and therefore storm

surge, wind, and rainfall impacts will likely extend well

away from the center and outside the forecast cone, particularly on

the east side. In addition, the fast forward speed while it crosses

the coast will likely result in farther inland penetration of strong

winds over parts of the southeastern United States after landfall.