Tropical Storm Helene forms; expected to become major hurricane before hitting Florida Panhandle this week
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As of Tuesday at 11 a.m., the National Hurricane Center announced that Tropical Storm Helene had formed over the northwestern Caribbean. Hurricane and storm surge watches remain in effect for portions of the Florida Gulf Coast. Helene currently has 45 mph maximum sustained winds and is moving northwest at 12 mph.