Maps show path of potential Hurricane Helene: What you need to know about possible tracks and storm surges

Tropical Storm Helene is expected to rapidly intensify into a Category 3 hurricane and hit the Gulf Coast this week as a major hurricane.

Tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches are in effect for parts of Cuba and Mexico, as well as nearly all of Florida’s Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to strengthen, supported by record hot water in the Gulf of Mexico and will accelerate toward the eastern Gulf Coast on Wednesday.

A map from the National Hurricane Center shows the storm developing and moving northward across Florida Thursday night. Tallahassee is in the center of the forecast path. The rest of the storm is expected to move through Alabama and Georgia Friday morning, passing over Huntsville and Atlanta, before continuing northward through Tennessee and into the Midwest over the weekend.

As of 5 a.m. Eastern time Wednesday, Helene was located about 45 miles east-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and 120 miles southwest of the western tip of Cuba. The hurricane was traveling northwest at 9 miles per hour and had a maximum speed of 65 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Strong winds are expected to hit Florida Thursday morning, and the storm is expected to weaken as it heads toward Georgia throughout the day. Parts of the Southeast, including the Carolinas, could still be hit by tropical storm-force winds as the system continues to move inland.

Many areas are expected to experience dangerous storm surges, particularly between Panama City and TampaThe coast from the Ochlockonee River to Chassahowitzka could see 10 to 15 feet of floodwater. Nearby areas could see 5 to 10 feet of floodwater, and the Tampa Bay area is expected to see 5 to 8 feet of floodwater.

The Florida Keys could experience a storm surge of between 12 and 36 inches.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management’s “Know Your Zone” map allows residents to enter their address and learn their evacuation route in the event of a flood or other disaster.

According to the hurricane center, most of Florida is expected to get 1 to 2 inches of rain, but coastal areas could get more. Parts of the Panhandle and southern Georgia and Alabama could get 4 to 6 inches of rain, and the area around Tallahassee could get up to 8 inches of rain.

Wind gusts are expected to hit Florida Wednesday and Thursday, potentially bringing heavy rain, high winds and a brief tornado, according to CBS Miami.