Tropical update: Tropical Storm Helene | 8 a.m. Wednesday

Tropical Storm Helene is just shy of becoming a hurricane as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The NHC has issued hurricane and storm surge warnings for parts of Florida's Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay area, ahead of potential impacts from the storm. It is expected to become the season's next hurricane sometime Wednesday before reaching major hurricane strength on Thursday.

As of the latest advisory, Tropical Storm Helene is about 60 miles east-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico. It's moving at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. Once winds reach 74 mph, it'll be designated as a hurricane.

"Helen's large size will likely cause an extensive area to be affected by the storm's hazards," the NHC wrote.

On Thursday, Helene is expected to "rapidly strengthen" into a major hurricane, a Category 3 or higher, ahead of landfall.

MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/weather/tropics/helene-tropical-storm-hurricane-track-cone-forecast-florida/67-8ada2c2d-0652-478c-bce5-62080ddc23b9

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