Tropical storm conditions are expected in southern Florida later today and spreading northward through Thursday.

Hurricane, tropical storm watches are in effect for parts of Florida as Tropical Storm Helene could hit state as major Categoy 3 hurricane.

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.