WATCH LIVE: Helene’s latest track, models with meteorologist Eric Stone, #HeyJB

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Helene became a hurricane as it approached the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday.

Helene is expected to move through the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula Wednesday morning and continue into the Gulf later Wednesday and into Thursday.

As of the National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. update, the storm’s maximum sustained winds are at 80 mph, making it a Category 1 hurricane. Helene is expected to strengthen over the eastern Gulf and become a major hurricane on Thursday.

Helene is expected to reach the Big Bend region of Florida late Thursday.

Watches and warnings

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

• All of the Florida Keys
• Tampa Bay
• Dry Tortugas
• The Florida west coast from Flamingo to Anclote River
• West of Mexico Beach to the Walton/Bay County line

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:

• The Georgia and South Carolina coast north of the mouth of the St. Mary’s River to the South Santee River

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for:

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

A Hurricane watch is in effect for:

• Englewood to Anclote River, which includes Tampa Bay

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:

• Anclote River to Mexico Beach, Florida

Tropical Storm Helen is expected to produce 5 to 10 inches of rainfall with some areas around 15 inches.

Watch Tracking the Tropics on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. CT.
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