SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for the Suncoast as Tropical Storm Helene continues its path toward the Gulf.

Helene is expected to rapidly intensify (30+ in 24 hours) and increase in size over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. By Friday morning, there is a threat of life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of the Florida Peninsula and Florida Big Bend area. The highest flood levels are expected along the coast of the Florida Big Bend. Mandatory Level A evacuations have been ordered for Sarasota and Manatee counties for Wednesday. Evacuations also apply to residents of manufactured homes in Manatee and Sarasota counties. As of 7 a.m. tomorrow morning (Wednesday, September 25), a Level A evacuation order is in effect for manufactured homes, and residents of the following neighborhoods: – Forked Creek in Englewood – Curry Creek in Venice – Hatchett Creek in Venice A Level A evacuation begins in Manatee County at 10 a.m.

Bob Harrigan, ABC7's chief meteorologist, says the biggest concern for our area is storm surge. However, we are expecting tropical storm force winds starting Thursday morning into Thursday evening. Storm surge could be as high as 8 feet in Manatee County and 7 feet in Sarasota County on Thursday. Highest tide is expected to occur Thursday afternoon and into the evening. Even though low tide is in the afternoon, there is still the potential for life-threatening flooding from storm surge.

While the tornado threat is low, we still expect some waterspouts and possible tornadoes as the feeder bands move through late Wednesday and Thursday. We are not currently expecting hurricane-force winds, however, there could be some gusts up to 75 mph in some of the feeder bands on Thursday. The arrival time of the tropical storm force winds will be after 8 a.m. Thursday morning, beginning in Charlotte County and then moving northward through Sarasota County by late morning and into the early afternoon Thursday.

Rainfall amounts will range from 4 to 6 inches, with some isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches over the next few days. We are not expecting as much rain as Debby, as Helene will move fairly quickly through the Gulf toward the Big Bend area.

Stay with ABC7 for our First Alert Weather updates as we continue to track the storm.

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