Tropical Storm Helene formed on Tuesday and is forecast intensify into a major hurricane before making landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast by Thursday afternoon. Here’s the latest

A day after Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 41 counties, he added 20 more on Tuesday, warning nearly the entire state to prepare for Tropical Storm Helene. The National Hurricane Center upgraded Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine to tropical storm status at 11 a.

Many areas are forecast to see dangerous storm surges, especially between Panama City and Tampa. The coast stretching from Ochlockonee River to Chassahowitzka could see between 10 and 15 feet of water. Nearby areas could see between 5 and 10 feet of water, and the Tampa Bay area is forecast to experience between 5 and 8 feet of storm surge.

A state of emergency has been declared in Florida where evacuations are underway as Tropical Storm Helene strengthens. Residents in the storm's potential path have been told to prepare for up to a week without electricity.

The forecast refers to the potential for rapid intensification over the Gulf of Mexico, which is when a storm gains 35 mph or more in a 24-hour period.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday said Florida is preparing for a direct hit from a major hurricane that could intensify quickly before it makes landfall in the Panhandle later this week. The National Hurricane Center predicted a tropical storm currently in the Gulf of Mexico will become Hurricane Helene as it moves north toward Florida by Thursday.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to hold a press conference on Tuesday as a tropical system, expected to become Hurricane Helene, looms off the coast of Florida.