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 460 miles south-southwest of Tampa, Florida. It's moving at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. "Preparations to protect life and property from storm surge and damaging winds along the Florida Big Bend coast should be rushed to completion today," the NHC said. KEEP READING: https://www.wtsp.com/article/weather/tropics/hurricane-helene-tracking-cone-forecast-florida/67-43291f17-63e3-49f4-85a5-105e6d99175b