Helene becomes the 8th named storm of the 2024 hurricane season, with forecasts indicating it will reach “major” category 3 status over the Eastern Gulf of Mexico by Thursday. It is expected to make landfall along the Big Bend of Florida Thursday night.

The governor says forecasters are calling for a major hurricane. But he says just how strong the storm gets could be determined by the path it takes.

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As Helene moves into the Gulf, the storm will be greeted with very warm waters, allowing it to rapidly strengthen. As of 10 AM Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center forecasts Helene to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane before landfall with maximum sustained winds of 115 MPH.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Helene formed in the Caribbean Sea on Tuesday after bringing heavy rains and big waves to the Cayman Islands. Forecasters warned the storm is expected to

Two people are dead after former hurricane John barreled into Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, blowing tin roofs off houses, triggering mudslides and toppling scores of trees, officials said Tuesday.

Residents along the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend region and much of the eastern Gulf Coast were told to prepare for impact by Thursday.