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.

Helene’s storm clouds are expected to become better organized with a more defined rotation as it enters a favorable environment.

Tropical Storm Helene formed Tuesday morning and will rapidly intensify into a major hurricane — Category 3 or higher — and bring catastrophic storm surge, flooding and destructive winds to