Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, is expected to bring devastating winds and storm surge to the Big Bend region of Florida on Thursday evening.

The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane and storm surge warnings for parts of the state’s Gulf Coast, including the Tampa Bay area.

“Catastrophic” conditions are anticipated as Helene approaches, with the storm expected to intensify further before making landfall.

As of the latest advisory, the hurricane was located 80 miles west-southwest of Cedar Key, Florida, and moving north-northeast at 23 mph with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.

The Tampa Bay area began experiencing the storm’s outer rain bands on Wednesday night, and the system’s parallel path to the region on Thursday led to significant impacts, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surge.

While winds are expected to shift out of the southwest on Friday, flooding and storm surge will remain major concerns.

Storm Surge Predictions:

• Citrus, Pasco, and Hernando counties: 6-15 feet
• Hillsborough County: 5-8 feet
• Manatee and Sarasota Counties: 4-7 feet
• Inland counties (Polk, Hardee, Desoto, and Highlands): 1-3 feet

Other Impacts:

• Rainfall: 4-8 inches possible
• Winds: Sustained winds of 45-55+ mph
• Severe Weather: Isolated tornadoes possible

Warnings and Watches:

• Storm Surge Warning: Mexico Beach eastward and southward to Flamingo, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor
• Storm Surge Watch: West of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach
• Hurricane Watch: Englewood to the Anclote River, including Tampa Bay
• Hurricane Warning: Anclote River to Mexico Beach

Residents in the affected areas are urged to follow the guidance of local authorities and prepare for the potential impacts of Hurricane Helene.