Tropical Storm Helene formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday and is the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the system, formerly known as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, developed into a tropical storm in the Caribbean Sea and approached the Gulf of Mexico as showers and thunderstorms became sufficiently widespread around the low pressure area.

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Preparations are underway along Florida’s Panhandle and Gulf Coast states for dangerous storm surge, heavy rains, and flash flooding from Helene as the storm is expected to intensify over the next few days. On its current track, Helene could make landfall as a hurricane along Florida’s Big Bend region on Thursday.

Where is Tropical Storm Helene?

The NHC determined that maximum sustained wind speeds were at least 40 mph (64 km/h), allowing Tropical Storm Helene to form on Tuesday morning.

The system is moving northwestward and that general motion is expected through Tuesday evening, followed by more rapid north to north-northeast motion on Wednesday and Thursday.

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Information and location of Tropical Storm Helene.
(FOX Weather)

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Where are the Tropical Storm Helene warnings in effect?

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Lower Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge and for the Dry Tortugas.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Middle Florida Keys, from the Seven Mile Bridge to the Channel 5 Bridge.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Englewood, Indian Pass and Tampa Bay.

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Warnings and warnings from Helene.
(FOX Weather)

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According to the current weather forecast, hurricane weather is possible in the warning areas from Wednesday morning. Tropical storms are expected in the warning areas from Tuesday.

According to the NHC, residents of the northeast Gulf Coast, the Florida Panhandle and parts of the west coast of Florida should continue to monitor the forecast for updates.

What is the forecast for Tropical Storm Helene?

Tropical Storm Helene is expected to bring gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for flash flooding, coastal flooding and dangerous beach conditions across Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, western Cuba and along the U.S. Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida.

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Weather forecast for Tropical Storm Helene.
(FOX Weather)

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According to the NHC, models suggest a more defined center will develop over the course of Monday and Tuesday. In addition, conditions appear favorable for significant strengthening as the system moves across the Gulf of Mexico and potentially makes landfall in Florida on Thursday.

Heavy rains will hit the southeastern U.S. from the Gulf Coast starting Wednesday through Friday, potentially causing flash flooding and river flooding.