Tornado Watch in effect for Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia until 6 a.m. as Hurricane Helene strengthens

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Tornado Watch is in effect for all Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia counties until 6 a.m. as Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen and is forecast to bring low-level winds favorable for tornadoes.

According to the NWS, the risk of several tornadoes will gradually increase throughout Thursday. Isolated wind gusts of up to 70 mph are possible.

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People in the areas under a Tornado Watch should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and/or possible warnings.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for all local counties. This means tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the warning area within the next 36 hours.

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Flash flooding continues to be possible due to heavy downpours. Dangerous conditions continue along the Atlantic coast.

On the forecast track, Helene will make landfall in the Florida Big Bend region Thursday evening as a major hurricane. After landfall, Helene is expected to turn northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday, according to the NWS.

Click here to read our complete coverage of Hurricane Helene