Tropical Storm Helene Strengthens

Tropical Storm Helene has strengthened. We are expecting a warm Wednesday with increasing clouds and rain chances late. Thursday will be our impact day. Cloudy skies will start the day Thursday with rounds of rain and tropical strength wind gusts. Tornado Watches will be likely across our area on Thursday.

Tonight: Partly cloudy with patchy fog.

Wednesday: The morning and afternoon weather will be favorable to prepare your property and run last minute errands. Cloudy skies are expected late with increasing rain chances near and along I-75. Mostly sunny early then becoming partly cloudy and warm. Patchy fog with morning lows in the 70s. Afternoon highs in the 80s to low 90s. Wind SE 5-15 mph. Rain chances will increase late, 30-50 percent.

Tropics: Tropical Impacts are expected through the day Thursday with Hurricane force wind gusts from Highway 301 to I-75 with Tropical Storm force wind gusts I-95 to the beaches. Tornado Watches will be likely on Thursday. Rounds of rain with totals around 2 - 5 inches, locally higher amounts possible. Significant storm surge expected along the Gulf Coast. Tidal flooding and surge possible for Downtown Jax, San Marco, Riverside and surrounding areas of up to 3 feet above normal high tide values.

Looking ahead: Drier with less wind Friday. Scattered showers with areas of rain will be possible through Friday afternoon.

Sunrise: 7:17 a.m.

Sunset: 7:20 p.m.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Tropical Storm Helene expected to become major hurricane before hitting Florida Panhandle on Thursday