Most forecast models suggest a hurricane landfall on Thursday, and experts say the storm could be at least a Category 3.

The National Hurricane Center said Monday afternoon that a major hurricane will landfall along the Florida gulf coast on Thursday. The storm, which is still taking shape and will be named Helene, could become the strongest hurricane to hit the United States this season.

The storm that is expected to become Helene is forecast to impact Florida as a hurricane and will encounter record-warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico on its path.