...HELENE STRENGTHENING... ...PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM STORM SURGE AND DAMAGING WINDS ALONG THE FLORIDA BIG BEND COAST SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION TODAY... As of 4:00 PM CDT Wed Sep 25 the center of Helene was located near 22.5, -86.6 with movement N at 12 mph. The minimum central pressure was 978 mb with maximum sustained winds of about 85 mph.