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ORLANDO, Fla. – Tropical Storm Helene – the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season – is strengthening as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico, where it is expected to get stronger and become a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) before making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region.

Parts of Florida are under tropical storm, hurricane, and storm surge watches and warnings. Several schools, colleges, and universities have announced closures ahead of the storm.

Regardless of where Helene makes landfall, its impact will be felt in Central Florida.

Flagler, Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Osceola and Brevard Counties

• Expected Storm Impacts: Chance for tornado, wind gusts up to 50 mph

• Timing: The worst weather will occur on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

• Rainfall totals expected: Bands of rain, 2 to 6 inches

Marion, Lake and Sumter Counties

• Expected Storm Impacts: Tropical storm, a few tornadoes

• Timing: The worst weather will occur on Thursday from 2 p.m. and 11 p.m.

• Rainfall totals expected: 2 to 4 inches of heavy rain

Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and Alachua Counties

• Expected Storm Impacts: Hurricane winds, flooding and tornadoes

• Timing: The worst weather will occur on Thursday into Friday morning, from 1 p.m. to 7 a.m.

• Rainfall totals expected: 6 to 10 inches of flooding rain

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