The National Weather Service on Tuesday upgraded inland tropical storm watches into warnings for most of Central Florida as what’s forecast to become major Category 3 Hurricane Helene approaches

Even though models don't show the center of Helene passing through Central Florida, it's important to understand impacts will be felt everywhere. The biggest threats in Central Florida in association with this tropical system include heavy rain, potential flooding, gusty winds and the potential for tornadoes.

Forecasters say they expect Tropical Storm Helene in the Caribbean Sea to strengthen rapidly and become a hurricane as it moves north across the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday toward the U.S.