The National Hurricane Center has advised the Treasure Coast
to prepare for tropical storm-force winds from Tropical Storm Helene. These
winds, ranging between 39-73 mph, could begin as early as Thursday and bring
2-4 inches of rain to Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties.
Late Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center upgraded the
Treasure Coast from a tropical storm watch to a tropical storm warning,
signaling that tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 36 hours.
Meteorologist Tim Sidelock from the National Weather Service
in Melbourne said, “The Treasure Coast will feel the effects of the storm, but
the full impact is still uncertain.”
Helene is projected to intensify into a Category 3 or 4
hurricane before making landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast, possibly near the Big
Bend area, by Thursday.
Where is Tropical Storm Helene projected to make
landfall?
Landfall is currently anticipated along Florida's northern
Gulf Coast, potentially in the Big Bend region. However, forecasters caution
that this prediction could change, as the storm's center has not yet fully
developed.
According to AccuWeather, landfall could occur anywhere from the eastern tip of Louisiana to central Florida's Peninsula.
