Stay informed about prep, evacuation zones, dangers, impact and the latest path as the storm heads near Sarasota and Manatee.

Hurricane Helene, expected to be a Category 4, has sent rain, wind and storm surge into Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Hurricane Helene is closing in on Florida with landfall expected in the Big Bend area Thursday. As of 9 p.m., Helene is moving toward the north-northeast at 24 mph. A continued fast motion to the north-northeast is expected through landfall in the Florida Big Bend in a few hours.