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

A wide swath of Florida’s Gulf coast, from Tampa to Pensacola, is in the forecast path of potential Hurricane Helene, which is expected for form within days.

Helene could bring storm surge to the entire west coast — up to 15 feet near landfall in Taylor and Dixie Counties, and up to 8 feet in the Tampa Bay region. Six inches of rain could blanket the west coat, with up to 8 inches near Tampa Bay and the Big Bend area.