Tropical Storm Helene forms in the Caribbean, here’s what we’re expecting as it enters the Gulf

Tropical Storm Helene Formed Tuesday Morning:

HOUSTON – Tropical Storm Helene formed at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Northwestern Caribbean Sea.

On Wednesday, Helene will move into the Gulf of Mexico where it should rapidly intensify into a major hurricane before making landfall Thursday. The exceptionally warm Gulf Stream waters will significantly contribute to this intensification.

What steers Helene toward Florida:

Helene poses a significant threat, currently forecasted to reach Category 3 status upon making landfall on Thursday.

It will impact areas from Pensacola to Tampa, with a potential direct hit on Tallahassee or Gainesville. There’s also a possibility of Helene intensifying into a Category 4 storm.

A cold front bringing rain to Houston over the next two days will block Helene’s westward movement, steering it toward Florida.

Helene impacts on Florida:

The forecast cone indicates where the center of the storm is expected to make landfall, but impacts can extend well beyond that point.

1. Let’s start with the storm surge. Our partners at qrisq.com show a high storm surge where the center of the storm hits. In this forecast it is near Tallahassee with a 10′+ surge!
2. The wind threat is large. Some of the tropical storm-force winds may reach the east coast of Florida. The possibility exits of 110 mph plus winds at the center and to the right of the storm.
3. Rainfall totals ranging from 3.5 to 7.5 inches fall along the storm’s centerline.

The predicted path and strength of Helene highlight the importance of staying updated with the latest weather information.

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