Comment on TRACKING MAP: Will Hurricane Helene hit Tampa and St. Petersburg?

Hurricane and storm surge watches are in effect for Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, which are on the eastern edge of the forecast cone of uncertainty for Hurricane Helene, according to the National Hurricane Center. As of the hurricane center’s 11 a.m. Tuesday update, the storm was expected to strengthen into Hurricane Helene within 24 hours as it enters the Gulf of Mexico and then turn northeast toward Florida and intensify rapidly. Advisories as of 11 a.m.