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

Tropical Storm Helene formed Tuesday in the Caribbean Sea and could strengthen into a major hurricane while moving north toward the U.S., forecasters said. Heavy rains and big waves already lashed the Cayman Islands,

The system has an 80% chance of development over the next 48 hours as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The Gulf Coast is bracing for a major hurricane landfall late this week as Tropical Storm Helene​ is forecast to rapidly intensify into a Category 3 storm and strike the Florida coast.

Tropical Storm Helene had the potential to become a major hurricane before its projected landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, weather officials said on.As of 11 am on Tuesday, Helene was located about 180 miles east-southeast of Cozumel,

Florida is bracing for Tropical Storm Helene, which could make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane this week. Here's what to know if you have to evacuate.