Florida braces for storm expected to make landfall as 'major hurricane,' says forecasters

Tampa Bay counties are currently under a storm surge and hurricane watch, while "Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine" barrels north and is expected to develop into Hurricane Helene over the next 48 hours.

According to the National Hurricane Center 8 a.m. update, the system now has a 100% chance of development, and is currently located about 150 miles west of Grand Cayman and 200 miles south by southwest of Cuba, moving northwest at 9 mph.

"The system is expected to intensify into a major hurricane before it approaches the northeastern Gulf Coast on Thursday," says the NHC, "and the potential for life-threatening storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds along the coast of the Florida Panhandle and the Florida west gulf coast is increasing."

As of now, the system is likely to develop into Tropical Storm Helene on Tuesday, then strengthen into a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) as it approaches Florida’s west coast late Wednesday to early Thursday.

Current tracks show the storm possibly making landfall in North Florida’s Big Bend region or in the Panhandle, with Tampa Bay staying slightly to the east. However, forecasters warn, this could still be problematic for the region.

"Due to the forecast large size of this system, storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts will extend well away from the center, particularly on the east side," says the NHC. "In addition, the fast forward speed while it crosses the coast will likely result in farther inland penetration of strong winds over parts of the southeastern United States after landfall. Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches have been issued this morning, and further watches and warnings are likely later today."

The storm's first rain bands are forecast to arrive in the Tampa Bay late Wednesday, then bring heavy winds and a possible 3-6 inches of rain through Thursday afternoon.

Forecasters are predicting storm surge upwards of 5-8 feet in the Tampa Bay region, with some areas closer to where the storm makes landfall reaching as high as 15 feet.

On Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 41 counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Pasco. 

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