Live updates: Tropical Storm Helene forms, expected to hit Florida as a possible major hurricane

FOX 13 News Staff

TAMPA, Fla. - Tropical Storm Helene formed late Tuesday morning, with the National Hurricane Center expecting the storm to hit Florida, possibly as a major hurricane.

A hurricane watch and a storm surge watch are in effect for portions of the Tampa Bay area, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The hurricane watch extends along the Gulf Coast from Sarasota County to the Florida Panhandle, including Tampa. That means hurricane force winds are possible within 48 hours.

A storm surge watch is also in effect along much of the Florida coast, along with a tropical storm watch for parts of southwest and northwest Florida, beyond the hurricane watch area.

As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, Tropical Storm Helene was at 19.5 N and 84.3 W with top winds of 45 mph and was moving northwest at 12 mph.

When will the storm impact the Bay Area?

FOX 13 meteorologist Dave Osterberg says impacts will likely be felt in the Tampa Bay area starting Wednesday night, with the worst weather being felt on Thursday.

Models show Helene strengthening in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and making landfall, possibly as a major hurricane, in the Big Bend area on Thursday. The exact timing and location will become clearer as the storm develops.

Any shift in the track to the east or west could significantly change how the storm will impact the Bay Area.

READ: Your guide to hurricane season 2024

What are the potential impacts?

Osterberg says life-threatening storm surge will be a major concern for coastal areas, with the potential for significant flooding.

"From Chassahowitzka north, you could be looking at a 10 to 15 foot storm surge," Osterberg said.

A 6 to 10 foot storm surge is possible from Chassahowitzka to Anclote, while a 5 to 8 foot storm surge could occur from Anclote to Longboat Key – including Tampa Bay – according to Osterberg. Storm surge could reach 4 to 7 feet from Longboat Key to Englewood.

Heavy rain is expected throughout the Bay Area, especially on Thursday, with rainfall projections increasing closer to the coast.

Preparing for Helene

Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Florida on Monday, while several counties and cities have opened sandbag locations.

Several Bay Area counties have each declared a local state of emergency, with some school districts canceling classes later this week.

Officials with Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa are monitoring dozens of pumping stations to ensure all infrastructure is clear and functioning properly.

Officials in Manatee and Sarasota counties are checking on areas that received heavy flooding from Debby in August, while also monitoring the Lake Manatee Dam.

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