Forecasters are warning that a group of storms packing heavy rain that formed in the Cayman Islands on Tuesday could become a major hurricane on its way to the southeastern U.S. Hurricane watches have been issued for Tampa Bay, Florida, from Inglewood to Indian Pass, eastern Mexico from Cabo Catoche to Tulum, and Cuba's Pinar del Rio province, according to the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane conditions are also possible for parts of Cuba and Mexico early Wednesday, and parts of Florida late Wednesday night into early Thursday.
The storm will then move through “very deep, warm waters” and strengthen.
“Strength is expected in the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday and Thursday,” the center said. “This storm will likely become quite large and powerful before making landfall.”
Tropical Storm Helene is expected to become a category storm before approaching the northeast Gulf Coast on Thursday, with the center warning that “after landfall, strong winds will penetrate inland over parts of the southeastern United States.”
Reports say CBN NewsA storm surge watch was issued for Tampa Bay, Florida, Charlotte Harbor, and from Indian Pass south to Flamingo, while a tropical storm watch was issued for the Dry Tortugas, the Lower Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge, Flamingo south of Englewood, and from Indian Pass west to the Walton Bay county line.
On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 counties. Yahoo! Reported.
“This is a very, very large storm,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference Wednesday. “A lot of people are going to lose power. We need to be prepared for that.”
in Latest Recommendations Helene, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, is located about 85 miles east-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and 500 miles south-southwest of Tampa, Florida, and is moving north-northwest at 10 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. It is expected to become a Category 3 storm as it approaches Florida's Gulf Coast, with maximum sustained winds exceeding 111 mph.
“Hurricane warnings have been issued for the Big Bend coast of Florida, and hurricane-force winds are expected,” the hurricane center said in a statement. “Preparations to protect life and property should be completed by early Thursday morning.”
Prayers for Hurricane Helen
Heavenly Father, we pray for your protection to those who will be affected by this hurricane in the coming days. We also pray for your peace on this matter and your wisdom to help people get through this situation. Above all, we pray for the repentance and salvation of souls that do not know you, and that your church will make you known. In Jesus' name, amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Roberto Machado Noa
