Miami, FL – As the tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico continues to strengthen, forecasters are closely monitoring its potential to develop into Hurricane Helene. The National Hurricane Center has indicated that the system could become a tropical storm within the next 24 hours and possibly a hurricane by midweek.
The projected path of the storm suggests it could make landfall anywhere between Tampa and Pensacola, with impacts potentially felt hundreds of miles from the storm’s center. Florida’s Gulf Coast residents are urged to prepare for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding.
A large part of Florida is now under a State of Emergency. Governor Ron DeSantis issued the emergency declaration ahead of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine. The state of emergency covers 41 counties running from the Keys, up the west coast to the Big Bend region and the Panhandle. DeSantis says the system is expected to become a tropical storm as it moves over the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, where further development and strengthening is anticipated.
The storm is expected to bring widespread and dangerous conditions, including life-threatening flash flooding and coastal storm surges. Residents in the affected areas should stay updated on the storm’s progress and heed any evacuation orders or safety advisories issued by local authorities.