The storm made landfall in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm as forecasters warned the enormous system could create a “nightmare” storm surge and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern US.

Officials have ordered all tourists to leave as well as all RVs. Mandatory evacuations also are in place for residents in Highland View, Wind Mark, St. Joe Beach, Beacon Hill to the county line and for the City of Port St. Joe for everyone from St. Joseph Bay to North Garrison Avenue and everyone from the bay to Garrison Avenue.

Helene is forecast to make landfall in Florida on Thursday night. Helene -- which has strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane -- is taking aim at Florida, where it's forecast to make landfall along the Big Bend area on Thursday night.