"Florida and Gulf Coast Brace for Hurricane Threat; Hurricane Watches Issued Along Florida Coast"


**At a Glance:**

- Hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued for parts of Florida.

- The system is expected to become a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday.

- Forecast models predict a hurricane landfall in Florida or the northern Gulf Coast by Thursday.

- The storm could be strong at landfall, with life-threatening storm surge, high winds, and heavy rain.- Impacts may extend well inland across parts of the South through Friday.

**Current Situation:**

Tropical Storm Helene may form later today, and it's forecasted to strengthen into a major hurricane before striking Florida or the northern Gulf Coast later this week. Interests along the U.S. Gulf Coast, from Louisiana to Florida, should closely monitor this situation, stay updated, and have hurricane plans ready.

**Watches and Warnings:**

Tropical alerts have been issued for parts of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Greater Antilles, and Florida. These areas could experience tropical storm conditions within 36-48 hours, with hurricane conditions possible.

**Current Location and Strength:**

The storm, currently about 120 miles west of Grand Cayman, has winds of 35 mph, with thunderstorms becoming more organized. Strengthening is expected today. It was designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine on Monday, allowing the National Hurricane Center to issue early warnings.

**Forecast Timeline:**

- **Tuesday:** The storm could approach Cancún, Cozumel, and western Cuba, possibly becoming Tropical Storm or Hurricane Helene. Heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge flooding are possible. Western Cuba may see over 12 inches of rain.

- **Wednesday:**

 Helene is expected to enter the southern Gulf of Mexico as a hurricane. High surf and outer rainbands may begin affecting Florida's Gulf Coast from the Keys to the Panhandle.

- **Thursday:**

 Helene is forecasted to make landfall as a major hurricane, likely between Florida's Big Bend and the Panhandle. However, impacts such as storm surge, winds, and rain could extend far from the center. Landfall could still occur as far east as Florida’s West Coast or as far west as southeast Louisiana.

**Strength and Impact:**

Helene is forecasted to reach Category 3 intensity before landfall due to favorable conditions, including record-high Gulf of Mexico heat content and supportive upper-level winds. Rainfall could be heavy along and to the east of the storm's track, potentially causing flash flooding from Wednesday through Friday. 

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