Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Helene later today or tonight, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Forming in the northwestern Caribbean, Helene is forecast to move through the Yucatán Channel and enter the Gulf of Mexico, where it could intensify into a Category 2 or 3 hurricane. The NHC warns of “strong winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall” likely to impact Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Currently, the system consists of “disorganized thunderstorms” but is expected to develop a defined center of circulation soon. Once organized, Helene will track toward the Florida Panhandle and West Central Florida, with landfall possible by Thursday.
Authorities are urging residents in the potential impact zones to monitor updates and prepare for possible evacuation orders, as the storm’s exact path and strength may change.
