Tropical Storm Helene is expected to become a hurricane. Florida residents begin evacuating

Associated Press

Florida residents are already evacuating and filling sandbags days ahead of anticipated flooding from Tropical Storm Helene. Helene formed Tuesday in the Caribbean Sea, is expected to cross the Gulf of Mexico and could strengthen into a major hurricane. Hurricane watches have been issued for parts of Cuba, Mexico and part of the Florida coastline, including Tampa Bay. A tropical storm warning has been issued for parts of the Florida Keys. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane Wednesday. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in dozens of counties ahead of the storm’s arrival as soon as late Thursday.