NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) - Helene made landfall near Perry, FL at 11:10 p.m. last night (eastern time) with wind speeds of 140 mph. This is the strongest landfalling hurricane that the big bend region of Florida has ever seen. Helene still remains a tropical storm over central Georgia this morning. Winds are sustained at 70 mph. However, impacts will still remain detrimental to the eastern states such as the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee as the storm will spin out over Tennessee and Kentucky over the weekend, providing heavy rain. The speed of the storm is FAST. It is currently moving at 30 mph to the N. Since early yesterday morning rain was already occurring along the eastern states. Historic rainfall amounts are to be expected once this is all said and done. Landslides are a MAJOR hazard to the higher elevated regions of Tennessee and the western portion of the Carolinas and Kentucky. Unfortunately, the NHC is now watching a NEW area of potential development that is also expected to enter the Gulf. More details on this to come. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Meet the champions: These are the top stars of WWE NXT on the CW Network Man dead following crash on elevated Twin Span The roots of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and its national impact Helene now a tropical storm over Georgia after historic landfall Helene makes landfall in the Big Bend of Florida