The disturbance we’ve been watching in the western Caribbean is now Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 and the NHC has begun advisories and issued the first watches ASSOCIATED WITH THE SYSTEM. There’s still a high chance this system becomes Tropical Storm Helene within 48 hours and eventually Hurricane Helene as it approaches the Gulf Coast later this week. Helene may become a major hurricane (CAT 3 or 4) before landfall along the northeast Gulf Coast. Some of the latest guidance has shifted a bit east closer to Tampa and the western coast of FL. Anyone from the AL/FL border down the west coast of FL should monitor future Helene very closely as all indications are it will be a powerful storm. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the Dry Tortugas and the Lower Florida Keys south of the Seven Mile Bridge.

If you are not already a premium graphics subscriber, sign up today and get higher-resolution storm graphics that contain more information so you can make informed decisions. It also helps support our app since we now offer it free. We want to be around for a long time!

Premium users will also have access to wind graphics that the NHC does not publish. Details & sign up here > Premium Graphics Info.

Thank you for being a Hurricane Tracker App user and supporting our passion for tracking tropical cyclones!