Helene is expected to form this week as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine moves across the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.In addition, the NHC is also monitoring a tropical wave that is expected to move from the African coast.

Sandbag locations are set to open this week across the Big Bend ahead of a potential tropical system. The National Hurricane Center released forecasts Monday that show Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine may bring heavy rainfall to North Florida and South Georgia.

Florida Panhandle and Big Bend residents should be keeping a very close eye on Tropical Cyclone Nine as it develops over the next couple of days as forecasters predict it could make landfall Thursday as a Category 2 or 3 Hurricane Helene.

Local impacts from soon-to-be hurricane Helene will start Wednesday and peak Thursday with a major hurricane forecast to make landfall Thursday in or near the “big bend.” Tropical storm conditions are likely for us,

Potential tropical cyclone nine is expected to strengthen and become Hurricane Helene by the middle of this week.

Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 (PTC 9) is officially in the Caribbean, and the Wiregrass is in the cone of uncertainty. As of the 4 PM advisory from the National Hurricane Center, PTC 9 was located in the Caribbean Sea with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and was moving NNW at 7