Bottom Line:

Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Helene with sustained winds of 45 mph. Additional strengthening is forecast and is expected to become a hurricane on Wednesday. No major changes from previous advisory.

Overview:

Tropical Storm Helene is forecast to become a major hurricane prior to making landfall along the northeast Gulf Coast. Significant to potentially catastrophic impacts can begin as early as early to midday Thursday and could last through Friday. These impacts will be amplified by the large size of the storm. Impacts include:

•     Dangerous, life-threatening storm surge for Apalachee Bay
•     Potentially catastrophic wind damage possible near the eventual landfall point and along the track inland.
•     Strong, damaging winds further away from the center due to the storm's size.
•     Localized flash flooding, potentially locally considerable
•     Minor to possibly moderate river flooding
•     Extremely dangerous beach/boating conditions.