The National Hurricane Center has started issuing advisories for Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, which is expected to become Tropical Storm Helene later today or tonight. Although still “disorganized,” forecasters say it is gaining structure and will soon develop “a well-defined center of circulation.”

Once the center forms, the system is expected to strengthen quickly thanks to warm waters and favorable conditions. As it moves away from the northwestern Caribbean, rapid intensification becomes more likely.

Forecasts show the system tracking north through the Yucatán Channel within the next day or so and then entering the Gulf of Mexico, where conditions are highly favorable for development. Meteorologists expect Helene to reach hurricane strength as it approaches the eastern Gulf, noting that “some models indicate it could continue strengthening right up until landfall” if its inner core organizes fast enough.

Current projections bring the storm toward the Florida Panhandle and West Central Florida by Thursday, though even small shifts could change which communities see the worst impacts. Forecasters warn of destructive winds, heavy rain, and dangerous storm surge along the Gulf Coast, with flash flooding possible further inland.

If intensification continues, Helene could reach Category 2 or even Category 3 strength before landfall. Officials stress that storm surge and coastal flooding remain major threats regardless of the exact path. Emergency agencies urge residents in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to review plans, gather supplies, and monitor updates as the storm develops.