Hurricane "Helene" is now a major, here's what that means

Once the maximum sustained wind of a hurricane reaches the 111 mph range it is classified as a "major." Helene just hit that threshold and it's getting stronger by the hour over warm Gulf of Mexico water.

The wind field from Helene is expanding with tropical storm force already being felt in Florida.

Here is my latest update:

The latest track takes it directly into Big Bend as a major with catastrophic impacts.

Storm surge will be deadly. The ocean will come onshore tonight.

The wind will be high and forward momentum will take it inland as the eye hold shape over land.

The eye is large and the wind field is larger.

Anyone in path of the storm is in grave danger. There will also be flash and urban flooding up to NC/TN.

Please take precautions seriously if you are in the path. The north and eastern sides of this storm will be devastating.