Helene is expected to form this week as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine moves across the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.In addition, the NHC is also monitoring a tropical wave that is expected to move from the African coast.

In addition to inhabitants of the Big Bend and Panhandle areas, residents from Fort Myers, Fla., to Gulfport and Biloxi, Miss., should remain on alert

Residents along the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend region and much of the eastern Gulf Coast were told to prepare for impact by Thursday.

The National Hurricane Center said Monday it is tracking a system in the Gulf of Mexico that could become Tropical Storm Helene in the coming days.

On Monday at 11 am, the National Hurricane Center issued an advisory for the potential tropical cyclone. The potential tropical cyclone is 130 miles south-southwest of Grand Cayman and 350 miles south-southeast of the Western Tip of Cuba,

The Gulf of Mexico could have a tropical storm — or hurricane — to deal with later this week. And there are some hints at where it could go. The National Hurricane Center on Monday was watching a tropical disturbance in the northwestern Caribbean that is expected to organize into a tropical depression or tropical storm in the next couple of days.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine formed in the Caribbean on Monday morning and was expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it makes its way into the Gulf of Mexico, forecasters said.