Much of the Gulf Coast of Florida was placed under hurricane, storm surge and tropical storm watches ahead of an expected hurricane.

Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and surrounding areas on the edge of the forecast cone for potential Hurricane Helene, which could make landfall as a Category 3 or higher hurricane on Thursday.

The state of Florida is preparing for potential impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, which is expected to intensify and possibly reach major hurricane strength as it approaches the Gulf Coast later this week,