7:57pm EST, the storm isn't a slow moving rain maker. This is a fast moving wind monster that is pushing a big storm surge.
The surge is just starting in Tampa, and the storm has passed by the mouth of Tampa Bay. Now the winds will shift out of the southwest and onshore. South Tampa residents have a long night ahead.
Meanwhile, the storm is a rapidly intensifying Cat 4 that is barreling towards the Big Bend region north of here.
#Florida #HurricaneHelene