The NHC has indicated Helene had reached Category 4 strength with maximum winds around 120 MPH as of 2:25 Eastern.

The storm has blanketed the state with heavy winds, incredibly putting ALL of the peninsula into TS force winds as of 2pm.

In addition to the heavy winds, Tornadic activity has blanketed the state from Franklin County to Palm Beach County and many points in-between.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge has been closed as a wind gust of over 60 MPH was reported.

Storm surge of over 3 feet has already enveloped areas near Fort Myers and Charlotte Harbor as of 2:30 pm ET.

More updates to come.