BREAKING NEWS Large HURRICANE CATEGORY forming… 7 See more

Once that center forms, Helene is expected to strengthen quickly. Warm ocean waters and favorable atmospheric conditions could support rapid intensification as the storm moves northward. Meteorologists are closely monitoring its development for signs that it is becoming a fully organized tropical storm.

Forecasts show Helene passing through the Yucatán Channel within the next 24 to 36 hours before entering the Gulf of Mexico. Conditions in the eastern Gulf appear favorable for additional strengthening, raising concerns that the system could become a significant hurricane before reaching the U.S. coast.