Numerous weather watches were in effect Wednesday for parts of the Florida Gulf Coast as Helene continued to strengthen, according to the National Hurricane Center. A weather service graphic indicated the storm is expected to move north late Thursday or early Friday into the area of the Florida Panhandle,

Midlands residents can expect strong winds, rain and the potential for tornadoes from Hurricane Helene starting late Thursday and lasting through early Friday.

As skies remain clear, expect high temperatures to reach the mid- to upper 70s across the area resulting in a fairly nice day,” the weather service said. Typically, Kansas City sees temperatures in the mid-70s this time of year.