ORLANDO, Fla. – Tropical Storm Helene continues to show signs of strengthening Tuesday, with rapid intensification expected over the next 48 hours.
The latest forecast shows Helene growing into a major Category 3 hurricane as it approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast.
[RELATED: CONE, MODELS, SATELLITE | Watches vs warnings | COUNTY-BY-COUNTY: Sandbag locations | Here’s what the ‘dirty side’ of a storm means | DOWNLOAD: WKMG-TV free hurricane app]
RAINFALL:
Tropical moisture will begin to surge in by Wednesday evening with heavy tropical downpours expected as the center of the hurricane approaches landfall.
Latest models show rainfall accumulations between 1-3 inches across Central Florida, with higher amounts possible where feeder bands dump longer periods of rainfall.
The Storm Prediction Center has increased the excessive rainfall outlook to a marginal to slight risk on Thursday.
A plume of deep moisture may remain behind the storm, keeping the threat for heavy rainfall into the weekend.
WINDS:
The storm looks to have a large wind field once it matures, which could extend far east of the center.
This could bring an enhanced risk for tropical storm wind gusts Thursday afternoon and into Thursday evening.
On this track, Central Florida should remain on the dirty (right) side of the storm. This will increase the chances for isolated tornadoes embedded within the storm’s feeder bands.
[RELATED: This is what the ‘dirty side’ of a storm means]
A tropical storm watch has been issued for parts of Central Florida as tropical storm conditions are possible in the next 48 hours.
Before the tropical moisture moves in by Thursday, expect conditions to remain mostly dry Tuesday afternoon with rain coverage less than 20% with highs in the low 90s.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: