The National Hurricane Center warns that Helene will hit Florida as a powerful hurricane on Thursday and bring wind and rain inland in the coming days.

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National Hurricane Center

Meteorologists expect Tropical Storm Helene to quickly develop into a “major hurricane” on its way to Florida, where it is expected to make landfall on Thursday.

The storm, which formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, is expected to “strengthen and reach near hurricane strength” as it passes near the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in a Early morning warning.

Maximum sustained winds will be 65 mph, with stronger gusts. Category 1 hurricane must have a maximum sustained wind speed of at least 74 miles per hour – and meteorologists say it's only a matter of time before it gets that far.

“The forecast is strengthening and Helene is expected to become a hurricane later today,” the NHC said.

Meteorologists expect Helene to continue to grow in size and strength over the Gulf of Mexico before reaching Florida's Big Bend coast late Thursday.

“Preparations to protect life and property should be completed by Thursday morning as tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in this region on Thursday,” it said.

Meteorologists say the storm could reach sustained maximum speeds of 193 km/h by late Thursday, making it a Category 3 hurricane.

According to the NHC, there is a risk of life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of the Florida peninsula and along Florida's Big Bend – the northern region where the Panhandle meets the peninsula and where the highest flood levels are expected.

“The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the high tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be inundated by rising water moving inland from the shore,” the report said, warning that the Ochlockonee River could experience a peak flood of 10 to 15 feet.

Meteorologists are also warning of destructive hurricane-force winds along parts of the Big Bend.

However, they say the effects could be felt far outside the cone. Wind hazards extends significantly inland.

A hurricane warning has been in effect since Wednesday morning for parts of Florida from the Anclote River to Mexico Beach. Hurricane conditions are expected in the region within 36 hours. A hurricane warning is in effect from Englewood to the Anclote River, including Tampa Bay. Hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.

Tropical storm warnings are also in effect for the Upper Florida Keys, the southern Florida peninsula and the northeast coast of Florida.

The National Weather Service Wednesday is the last full day for Florida residents, Prepare for the storm — including putting together an emergency kit, reviewing an emergency plan and registering for local weather warningsPeople should also check whether they live in an evacuation zone.

Twenty Florida counties are either under voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders As of Wednesday morning, according to the state's Department of Emergency Management. It also offers assistance Bring people to emergency shelters in the Big Bend region.

Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 counties (out of 67) on Tuesday so officials could deploy resources ahead of the storm. President Biden has also approved a declaration of emergency.

DeSantis said in a tweet that 18,000 utility workers – and the number is growing – as well as search and rescue and road clearing crews are ready for action in Florida.

“As always, Florida will prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” he added.

Southern states brace for impact after Florida

Current models of Helene's path show the storm moving inland and crossing Georgia and parts of Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky over the weekend.

The NHC has issued a tropical storm warning for the South Carolina coast north of the Savannah River.

It also warns that potentially life-threatening flash flooding and urban flooding may occur in parts of Florida, the Southeast, the southern Appalachians and the Tennessee Valley from Wednesday through Friday.

“This includes the risk of landslides in the southern Appalachians,” it continues.

Tornadoes could occur in parts of the western peninsula of Florida and southern Alabama on Wednesday night, it is said. On Thursday, the danger will increase and a spread across all of Florida as well as parts of Georgia and South Carolina is possible.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency and Officials warn of a “fast-moving” storm that could bring rain across the state, as well as strong winds and significant power outages in certain areas.

The Georgia Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is urging people to seek shelter and be prepared to live without power for at least 72 hours.