A potential hurricane — which would be named Helene — is churning in the Caribbean and is forecast to make landfall in Florida on Thursday.
The system is forecast to become Tropical Storm Helene early Tuesday morning.
A tropical threat satellite map.
ABC News
It will then move into the Gulf of Mexico and strengthen to a hurricane on Wednesday morning.
Hurricane watches were issued in Tulum, Mexico; Cancun, Mexico; and Cuba.
Tropical threat forecast path.
ABC News
The storm is forecast to continue to strengthen to a Category 2 or Category 3 hurricane before making landfall along the Florida Panhandle or Florida’s Big Bend area on Thursday night.
Flash flooding, strong winds and storm surge are the biggest threats.
esidents along portions of the northeastern Gulf Coast, including the FL panhandle ad portions of the FL West Coast (from Panama City to Tampa), should prepare for the potential life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and flash flooding on Thursday.
ABC News
The Tampa, Florida, area and the Florida Panhandle are expected to get the worst of the storm surge.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he’s declared a state of emergency in 41 counties.
“Now is the time to make an emergency plan, know your evacuation zone, and be as prepared as possible for the storm,” he said on social media.
After landfall, Helene’s heavy rain and flash flooding may move inland to Tallahassee, Florida; Atlanta; and Nashville, Tennessee.
Heavy rain outlook shows the heaviest across the FL panhandle/northern FL and inland from Tallahassee to Atlanta to Nashville
ABC News
As hurricane season continues to ramp up, a potential threat looms over the Gulf Coast this week. Meteorologists are closely monitoring a disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that has the potential to develop into a tropical storm or hurricane in the coming days.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm watch for parts of the Gulf Coast, including areas of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Residents in these areas are being urged to stay informed and prepared for the possibility of severe weather.
Hurricanes are powerful and destructive storms that can bring heavy rain, strong winds, storm surges, and flooding. It is important for residents in hurricane-prone areas to have a plan in place and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
In the event of a hurricane, it is important to have an emergency kit stocked with essentials such as food, water, medications, and important documents. It is also important to secure outdoor furniture, trim trees and bushes, and reinforce windows and doors to minimize damage.
Local officials are also preparing for the potential impact of the storm by activating emergency response plans and coordinating with state and federal agencies. Evacuation orders may be issued for low-lying areas or areas at high risk of flooding.
It is crucial for residents in the potential path of the storm to stay informed by monitoring weather updates from trusted sources such as the National Hurricane Center and local news outlets. It is also important to follow any instructions or warnings issued by local authorities.
As we continue to navigate through hurricane season, it is important to remember that preparedness is key. By staying informed, having a plan in place, and taking necessary precautions, we can help ensure the safety and well-being of ourselves and our communities in the face of potential threats from hurricanes.
