TAMPA, Florida. – Tropical Storm Helene is gaining strength as it moves toward the Gulf of Mexico, where it is expected to rapidly intensify before reaching Florida as a major hurricane.

Helene is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 storm before making landfall in the Big Bend region Thursday evening, but FOX 13 meteorologist Dave Osterberg warned it could get even stronger.

At 5 a.m. Wednesday, Helene was located at 20.7 N and 86.2 W, had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was moving northwest at 9 mph.

The National Hurricane Center said the storm will expand and have widespread impacts across the Bay Area and all of Central Florida, although it is outside the NHC’s forecast cone.

Osterberg said the record-high water temperatures would provide “unlimited fuel” for rapid intensification.

Storm warnings and observations

A hurricane warning is in effect from the Anclote River to Mexico Beach. This includes coastal areas of Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for the rest of the state, except for the western Panhandle.

A storm surge warning has been issued from Flamingo to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

A flood warning is in effect for the entire Bay Area and much of the state, except for central and eastern Florida and the western Panhandle, until Friday morning.

READ: Your guide to the 2024 hurricane season

What is the timeline for impacts in the Bay Area?

Rainy and windy conditions are expected in the region early Thursday, with the strongest impacts being felt Thursday afternoon, according to Osterberg.

Osterberg said any change in the rail line, even by just a few miles, will significantly alter Helene’s impact on the Bay Area.

“There is not much room for error. With a storm like this and its magnitude, there really isn’t,” Osterberg said.

How strong are the potential effects of Helene?

FOX 13 meteorologists predict that life-threatening storm surge will be a major problem, reaching up to 15 feet along the coast from Citrus County to Big Bend.

Wind gusts of over 110 km/h could occur along the coast on Thursday afternoon, with tropical storm force gusts extending up to 400 km from the center of the storm.

In addition, significant rainfall is expected, ranging from 12 to 25 centimeters on the coast and 5 to 10 centimeters inland.

Preparations for Helene

Tropical Storm Helene: County-by-county guidance

Evacuation orders have been issued in several Bay Area counties, primarily for coastal and lowland areas.

School closures have been announced in many districts, some beginning on Wednesday, others on Thursday.

Some government offices will be closed in the next few days.

Weather permitting, sandbags will still be available in some areas.

Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in almost all Florida counties, while some Bay Area counties have declared local emergencies.

Utilities are stationed in the Tampa Bay area and other parts of the state to respond to power outages.

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