Tropical Storm Helene is expected to form on Tuesday:

HOUSTON – We are tracking the tropics and the next storm to form would be named Helene. That should happen tomorrow. Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine has been forming in the Caribbean since Monday evening. On Wednesday, Helene will move into the Gulf of Mexico, where it should quickly develop into a major hurricane before making landfall on Thursday. The exceptionally warm waters of the Gulf Stream will contribute significantly to this intensification.

What brings Helene to Florida:

Helene poses a significant threat and is currently forecast to reach Category 3 strength when it makes landfall on Thursday. It will impact areas from Pensacola to Tampa and may hit Tallahassee or Gainesville directly. There is also a chance that Helene will strengthen into a Category 4 storm. A cold front bringing rain to Houston over the next two days will block Helene's westward movement and direct it toward Florida.

Impact of Helene on Florida:

The forecast cone shows where the center of the storm is expected to make landfall, but the impacts can extend well beyond that point. Since we don't have a defined storm until Monday evening, the cone may shift slightly, so areas like Tampa should prepare as if they are inside the cone.

1. Let's start with the storm surge. Our partners at qrisq.com are showing an incredible storm surge where the center of the storm hits. In this forecast, it's near Tallahassee with a surge of over 20 feet!

2. The wind danger is high. Some of the tropical storm force winds could reach the east coast of Florida. Wind speeds of over 177 km/h are possible in the center and to the right of the storm.

3. Rainfall amounts ranging from 3.5 to 7.5 inches will fall along the centerline of the storm.

The predicted path and strength of Helene underscore the importance of staying up to date with the latest weather information. Visit Click2Pins to get real-time updates and share your weather photos and videos.