Hurricane Helene is expected to reach Category 4 strength as it continues to track toward Florida's Gulf coast, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane and storm surge warnings for parts of Florida's Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay area, ahead of potential impacts from the storm. It's expected to further strengthen into a major hurricane, category 3 or higher, sometime Thursday ahead of landfall. As of the latest advisory, Tropical Storm Helene is 425 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida. It's moving at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. The NHC says that Hurricane Helene is "expected to bring catastrophic winds and storm surges to the northeastern Gulf Coast." It added that "preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion." KEEP READING: https://www.wtsp.com/article/weather/tropics/hurricane-helene-tracking-cone-forecast-florida/67-43291f17-63e3-49f4-85a5-105e6d99175b