Tropical storm Helene expected to strengthen into a major hurricane

Florida and parts of the US Gulf Coast brace for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Helene, which could form later today and is forecasted to intensify into a major hurricane before striking Florida or the northern Gulf Coast later this week.

MAP: Projected wind speed of Tropical Storm Helene in the Gulf of Mexico. US National Hurricane Center

The US Coast Guard has already taken precautionary measures in response to the potential storm, which may bring sustained gale-force winds between 39 and 73 mph within the next 48 hours.

The Captain of the Port for Sector St. Petersburg has set Port Condition X-RAY for the ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Manatee and Fort Myers. While this condition is in effect, ports and maritime facilities remain open for all commercial traffic and cargo operations.

Vessels bound for ports in South Carolina, Georgia or Florida that are unable to depart 24 hours before potentially hazardous winds make landfall are being urged to seek alternate destinations as safety preparations intensify along the Gulf Coast.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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