Live News: Tropical Storm Helene Gains Speed as It Approaches Gulf of Mexico; Expected to Become a Strong Hurricane

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ORLANDO, Florida. – Tropical Storm Helene continued to gain speed late Tuesday evening as it moved over the western Caribbean Sea toward the Gulf of Mexico.

The eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season could become a strong hurricane (Category 3 or higher) before making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region, the National Hurricane Center says.

If the forecast track continues, it will be the third hurricane in the last two years to hit the Big Bend region of Florida (Hurricane Ian in 2022, Hurricane Idalia in 2023).

“As expected, the intensity continues to increase,” said FOX 35 Storm Team meteorologist Noah Bergren. “This will be a devastating storm with catastrophic surge in the Big Bend — significantly worse than Idalia and a very fast-moving hurricane.”

Tropical storm, hurricane, and storm surge warnings and advisories have been issued for several areas of Florida.

TROPICAL STORM HELENE: PATH I TIMELINE I SPAGHETTI MODELS I FLORIDA IMPACTS | WATCHES AND WARNINGS

Here’s the latest on the predicted track, cone, timeline, and impacts of Tropical Storm Helene on Florida.

Tropical Storm Helene was located 160 miles east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and 145 miles south of the western tip of Cuba. It was moving toward the west-northwest at 17 mph with sustained winds of 60 mph.

“A turn toward the northwest is expected late tonight, followed by a general northward movement beginning Wednesday and continuing through Friday. According to the forecast track, Helene’s center will pass near the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday, move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday and Thursday, and reach the coast of Big Bend, Florida late Thursday evening,” the NHC said.

Timeline: When is Tropical Storm Helene expected to make landfall in Florida?

Helene is expected to make landfall as a powerful hurricane Thursday evening in the Big Bend region of Florida, according to the NHC.

Central Florida should begin to feel the effects of Hurricane Helene’s outer bands as early as Wednesday, with impacts expected to gradually increase as the storm approaches Florida over the next few hours.

Regardless of where Helene makes landfall, its effects will be felt across the state.

The worst of the weather will be felt Thursday evening, where much of Central Florida will experience tropical storm-force winds, strong gusts and heavy rain, with some areas receiving up to 4 inches. There is also a chance of a tornado or two developing.

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Timeline: When is Tropical Storm Helene expected to make landfall in Florida?

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