Hurricane Helene, which is currently Category 1, formed from an area of low pressure in the Caribbean, having strengthened rapidly over the last few days. The hurricane is expected to be the "strongest hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. this season," possibly hitting Category 3 or 4 strength.

Helene -- which has strengthened to a major Category 3 hurricane -- is taking aim at Florida, where it's forecast to make landfall along the Big Bend area on Thursday night. North Carolina and Georgia have declared states of emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene, their governors announced on Wednesday.