The forecast refers to the potential for rapid intensification over the Gulf of Mexico, which is when a storm gains 35 mph or more in a 24-hour period.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday said Florida is preparing for a direct hit from a major hurricane that could intensify quickly before it makes landfall in the Panhandle later this week. The National Hurricane Center predicted a tropical storm currently in the Gulf of Mexico will become Hurricane Helene as it moves north toward Florida by Thursday.

Tropical Storm Helene is set to enter the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday afternoon. From there, it’s on a dead sprint to go from tropical storm to Category 3 hurricane — or stronger — in just over 24 hours.