NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) - Tropical storm Helene is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by tomorrow morning. This storm has to potential to gain the status of a MAJOR hurricane by the time we get to Thursday. A major hurricane is a Cat. 3 or higher. Landfall is still expected to be near the Big Bend region of Florida on Thursday night. Sustained winds are now at 45 mph. Helene has significantly picked up speed to 12 mph - heading NW. 10-15 ft of surge may be seen at landfall in Florida. Heavy rain continues inland towards central Georgia, east Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Latest Son of Ryan Routh, suspect in Trump assassination attempt, arrested on child pornography charges What's a National Blue Ribbon School? These 356 schools just won the honor Coca-Cola phasing out 'permanent' flavor less than a year after debut Biden bids farewell to UN amid global turmoil SNAP increases – and changes to who qualifies – take effect Oct. 1