Tropical Storm Helene Forms, Expected to Become Major Hurricane Before Thursday Landfall

Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine has officially formed into Tropical Storm Helene, the National Hurricane Center announced in their 11 a.m. update on Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Helene Forms

Tropical Storm Helene is expected to become a hurricane as it continues to move through the Gulf of Mexico. Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort on Tuesday morning.

Here are the current watches and warnings in effect:

Storm Surge Watch

  • Indian Pass southward to Flamingo
  • Tampa Bay
  • Charlotte Harbor

Hurricane Watch

  • Cabo Catoche to Tulum, Mexico
  • Cuban province of Pinar del Rio
  • Englewood to Indian Pass
  • Tampa Bay

Tropical Storm Warning

  • Dry Tortugas
  • Lower Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge
  • Grand Cayman
  • Rio Lagartos to Tulum, Mexico
  • Cuban provinces of Artemisa, Pinar del Rio, and the Isle of Youth

Tropical Storm Watch

  • Middle Florida Keys from the Seven Mile Bridge to the Channel 5
    Bridge
  • Flamingo to south of Englewood
  • West of Indian Pass to Walton Bay County line
Map showing the projected path and current status of Tropical Storm Helene as of 11 AM EDT on September 24, 2024. The forecast track covers the Gulf of Mexico, southern U.S., and parts of the southeastern U.S.

The storm could make landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida on Thursday as a major hurricane. Though the current predicted path shows it hitting Florida north of Orlando, the path could change and heavy rainfall is still likely for Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.

Outdoor attractions and entertainment could have limited hours and performances due to hurricane weather this week. It’s possible the theme parks could close early, depending on how close the storm gets to Orlando. Guests with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Halloween Horror Nights 33 tickets will be contacted if the events are affected.

Governor Ron DeSantis already declared a state of emergency for 41 Florida counties, including the Panhandle, where the storm is currently expected to hit the hardest.

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