Helene is expected to rapidly intensify into a major and massive hurricane with 115-mph winds by the time it makes landfall Thursday.

Helene could bring storm surge to the entire west coast — up to 15 feet near landfall in Taylor and Dixie Counties, and up to 8 feet in the Tampa Bay region. Six inches of rain could blanket the west coat, with up to 8 inches near Tampa Bay and the Big Bend area.

Tropical Storm Helene formed over the northwestern Caribbean Sea Tuesday morning and was expected to strengthen into a major hurricane as it it moved through the Gulf of Mexico on a path toward Florida.