Ahead of Tropical Storm Helene's landfall, forecasters are predicting it will hit Florida as a Category 3 hurricane. Here's what that means

A hurricane's category describes potential wind damage but does not describe other deadly hurricane hazards such as storm surge.

Helene formed in the Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said. Here's a look at the latest models:

While tropical storms and categories 1 and 2 are not to be taken lightly, it's when we reach Category 3 that a storm reaches "major hurricane" status and has a greater increase for loss of life and property damage. Here is a breakdown of the storm categories, as explained by the National Hurricane Center.

Helene officially strengthened into a hurricane Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said. Here's what we know about its forecast in Mexico.

Tropical Storm Helene is rapidly strengthening in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to become a hurricane while moving north along Mexico’s coast toward the U.S. The storm has prompted residents to evacuate,

The storm could come ashore as a dangerous Category 3 or 4 hurricane with a surge over 10 feet, winds over 110 mph and flooding rain.

Helene was upgraded to a hurricane after rapidly strengthening in the Caribbean on Wednesday. Forecasters warned that the storm would intensify as it crosses the Gulf of Mexico on a path to Florida.