As Tropical Storm Helene strengthens, Columbia County has been upgraded to a Hurricane Warning. The rest of Northeast Florida is now under a Tropical Storm Warning, while Southeast Georgia remains under a Tropical Storm Watch.
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Watches and Warnings:
Tropical Storm Warning: Northeast coast of Florida north of the Flagler/Volusia line to the mouth of St. Mary’s River, and for the Upper Florida Keys.
Hurricane Warning: Columbia County, Anclote River to Mexico Beach (FL), Cabo Catoche to Tulum (Mexico).
Tropical Storm Watch: Southeast Georgia (north of St. Mary’s River), South Carolina coast to South Santee River.\
Discussion and Outlook:
Helene’s center is forecast to pass near the Yucatan Peninsula this morning and move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico by Thursday. It is expected to reach major hurricane status before landfall on the Florida Big Bend coast by late Thursday.
Key Hazards Affecting Land:
Storm Surge: Life-threatening surges are expected along the Florida coast. Water could rise:
Ochlockonee River to Chassahowitzka: 10-15 feet
Tampa Bay: 5-8 feet
Wind: Hurricane conditions are expected within Columbia County by Thursday night.
Tornadoes: A few tornadoes are possible in the Florida peninsula and southern Alabama tonight.
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Tropical Storm Helene forms, heading to Florida. Polk County under tropical storm watch
(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
In a hurry? Here's what's happening with Tropical Storm Helene in less than a minute.
Tropical Storm Helene has formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
Watches and warnings ahead of the storm were expanded at the 11 a.m. advisory. Several portions of Florida are under a hurricane watch, tropical storm watch or warning, and storm surge watch.
The storm that is expected to become a hurricane Wednesday could become a Category 3 hurricane with 115-mph winds by the time it makes landfall Thursday.
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