LIVE: North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Helene preps, latest forecast

Multiple tornado warnings were issued in the Charlotte area Thursday morning ahead of Hurricane Helene as a line of storms brought heavy rain and gusty winds to the Carolinas.

Helene is now a Category 2 hurricane with sustained 100 mph winds. The NHC reported gusts up to 115 mph as the storm entered the Gulf of Mexico with "significant additional strengthening" likely. This process is known as rapid intensification and could lead to catastrophic wind, storm surge and flooding on Florida's Gulf Coast as Helene makes landfall.

Impacts begin across the Carolinas Thursday afternoon and evening, becoming more intense through the overnight hours. High winds and heavy rain will last through at least midday Friday before conditions slowly improve throughout the day.

Tropical storm watches and warnings are in place, including portions of our viewing area. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Mecklenburg, Union, York, Chester, Gaston, Lincoln, Catawba, Cleveland, Burke, Caldwell and Avery counties. Impacted cities and towns include Banner Elk, Shelby, Lenoir, Morganton, Hickory, Newton, Gastonia, Charlotte, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Chester, Lincolnton, Monroe, Huntersville, Matthews, and Cheraw.

Additionally, a Flood Watch is in place for Alexander, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Ashe, and Watauga counties. #Weather #Helene

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