Tropical advisories issued for much of Central Florida as PTC-9 forecast to strengthen (2024)

Helene is expected to form this week as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine moves across the Caribbean Sea and into the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.Models show it could make landfall as a major hurricane in the Big Bend area this week.>> Where to find sandbags in Central FloridaPTC-9 is expected to produce rain accumulations of 3 to 6 inches with isolated totals around 10 inches, bringing a risk of flooding, some of which could be considerable, to the southeastern U.S., the NHC said.>> Latest maps and modelsCurrently located about 150 miles west of Grand Cayman, PTC-9 has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1001 mb. According to the NHC, the system may become a named storm Tuesday and is forecast to become a hurricane by Wednesday.At 8 a.m., the NHC said Hurricane Hunters were investigating the disturbance and gathering more data.There is a near 100% chance of formation in the next 48 hours as the system moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico. While strengthening, PTC-9 is expected to move northwest today, then take a quicker north to northeastern turn on Wednesday and Thursday.PTC-9 watches, warnings: As of 5 a.m. on Tuesday, the NHC expanded tropical advisories into many Central Florida counties.A hurricane watch is in effect for: Marion CountyA tropical storm watch is in effect for:Lake CountyOrange County Seminole CountyOsceola CountySumter CountyMarion CountyA hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours. In addition, a hurricane watch is in effect for:Cabo Catoche to Tulum, MexicoCuban province of Pinar del RioEnglewood to Indian PassTampa BayA tropical storm warning is in effect for:Rio Lagartos to Tulum, MexicoCuban provinces of Artemisa, and Pinar del Rio, and the Isle of YouthGrand CaymanA tropical storm watch is in effect for:Dry TortugasLower Keys south of the Seven Mile BridgeFlamingo to south of EnglewoodWest of Indian Pass to Walton Bay County lineA storm surge watch is in effect for: Indian Pass southward to FlamingoTampa BayCharlotte HarborPTC-9 impacts in Central FloridaEven though models don't show the center of PTC-9 passing through Central Florida, it's important to understand impacts will be felt everywhere. First Warning WeatherStay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.RadarSevere Weather AlertsDownload the WESH 2 News app to get the most up-to-date weather alerts.The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.

ORLANDO, Fla. —

Helene is expected to form this week as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine moves across the Caribbean Sea and into the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Models show it could make landfall as a major hurricane in the Big Bend area this week.

>> Where to find sandbags in Central Florida

PTC-9 is expected to produce rain accumulations of 3 to 6 inches with isolated totals around 10 inches, bringing a risk of flooding, some of which could be considerable, to the southeastern U.S., the NHC said.

>> Latest maps and models

Currently located about 150 miles west of Grand Cayman, PTC-9 has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1001 mb. According to the NHC, the system may become a named storm Tuesday and is forecast to become a hurricane by Wednesday.

At 8 a.m., the NHC said Hurricane Hunters were investigating the disturbance and gathering more data.

PTC-9 watches, warnings:

As of 5 a.m. on Tuesday, the NHC expanded tropical advisories into many Central Florida counties.

A hurricane watch is in effect for:

Marion County

A tropical storm watch is in effect for:

Lake County
Orange County
Seminole County
Osceola County
Sumter County
Marion County

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds.

A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

PTC-9 impacts in Central Florida

Even though models don't show the center of PTC-9 passing through Central Florida, it's important to understand impacts will be felt everywhere.

WESH

First Warning Weather

Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.

Radar
Severe Weather Alerts

Download the WESH 2 News app to get the most up-to-date weather alerts.

The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.