The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has begun issuing advisories on Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, which is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Helene by later today or tonight.

This system, currently located in the northwest Caribbean Sea, is showing signs of better organization, with increased thunderstorm activity and the potential for a center of circulation to develop shortly.

Once it becomes better defined, the storm will likely earn the name Helene and is forecast to track through the Yucatan Channel and into the Gulf of Mexico.

From there, the storm is projected to gain strength quickly, with current forecasts suggesting it could become a Category 2 or even Category 3 hurricane before landfall.

The projected path currently includes a broad impact zone, from the Florida Panhandle through west and central Florida, and extending into parts of Georgia and South Carolina.

This storm poses multiple hazards to the region, including strong winds, significant rainfall, and the potential for life-threatening storm surge, especially along coastal areas.

Flash flooding may occur in low-lying areas and regions with poor drainage, while power outages are also expected as the storm strengthens and moves inland.

Despite being in its early stages, the storm has already prompted emergency planning and preparedness alerts in areas likely to be affected.

Officials are urging residents along the Gulf Coast and in southeastern states to monitor forecasts closely, prepare emergency kits, and review evacuation plans.

This comes at a time when tropical activity in the Atlantic basin is ramping up, and Helene may be just the first in a series of storms to develop in the coming weeks.

More updates will follow as Helene continues to develop, but now is the time for communities to stay informed and take precautions before conditions worsen.