The tropical system that is moving into the Gulf of Mexico this week could reach the west coast of Florida as a major hurricane, according to meteorologists.
Since the National Hurricane Center issued the warning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, a section of Florida’s west coast, including parts of the Tampa Bay area, has been under a hurricane warning, meaning hurricane strength is possible within the next 48 hours.
A major hurricane is classified as Category 3 or higher, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph (178 km/h). Federal meteorologists expect the system’s winds to peak at 115 mph (185 km/h), but that could change.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for parts of inland Hillsborough County.
The region was also part of a long stretch of coastline that was affected by a storm surge warning. In Tampa Bay, meteorologists are predicting a flood of up to 2.44 meters.
According to Spectrum Bay News 9, the region could see more than 150 millimeters of rain from the expected Hurricane Helene.
Meteorologists said the system was still poorly organized on Tuesday morning and had not yet formed an eyewall.
The system was located 150 miles west-southwest of Grand Cayman and was moving northwest at 9 mph, with sustained winds of about 35 mph. The potential cyclone is expected to move across the northwestern Caribbean Sea overnight Tuesday and then gain speed over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday and Thursday.
A summary of observations and warnings
A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area within the next day or 1½ days.
A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area for the next 24 to 36 hours.
A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are possible within the warning zone. It is usually issued two days before tropical storm force winds are expected.
A hurricane warning is in effect for the Gulf Coast of Florida from Englewood in the north and west to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Gulf Coast of Florida from Indian Pass to the Walton-Bay County border and from north of Bonita Beach to south of Englewood.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for Grand Cayman, Rio Lagartos to Tulum, Mexico; Cuban provinces of Artemisa, Pinar del Rio and the Isle of Youth.
A storm surge warning applies to Indian Pass Florida south to Bonita Beach Florida, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.
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