Floridians are bracing themselves for a major storm. 

Rain during Hurricane Debby

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches have been put in place for the Gulf Coast of Florida. 

According to the NHC, by the time the system — which as of Tuesday, September 24th, has officially been upgraded to Tropical Storm Helene — reaches the far northwestern Caribbean Sea early Wednesday, it will bring tropical storm conditions over portions of western Cuba and the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula with hurricane conditions possible.

Furthermore, the NHC predicts that “The system is expected to intensify into a major hurricane before it approaches the northeastern Gulf Coast on Thursday, and the potential for life-threatening storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds along the coast of the Florida Panhandle and the Florida west Gulf Coast is increasing.”

©NHC

From there, Helene “will bring heavy rain to portions of the western Caribbean, which will cause considerable flooding and mudslides across western Cuba. Heavy rainfall will likely result in locally considerable flash and urban flooding across portions of Florida, with isolated flash and urban flooding possible across the Southeast, Southern Appalachians, and the Tennessee Valley Wednesday through Friday. Minor to isolated moderate river flooding will be possible.”

11 am EDT – Tropical Storm #Helene forms. Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches in effect for portions of Florida. Here are the Key Messages. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/O2vrmnsReN

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 24, 2024

In response to these warnings and the potential of landfall, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared an emergency for 41 of the state’s 67 counties in an effort to “expedite preparations and coordination between the state and local governments ahead of the storm’s impacts.”

Good Morning!

FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA: The area in the Caribbean will be Helene soon. It will be a powerful Hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico by Thursday. (1/…) pic.twitter.com/4UFQUd1Dnd

— Brian Shields (@BrianWeather) September 24, 2024

Right now, the storm is projected to pass to the north and west of the Disney World area. If you are traveling to Disney World, we advise packing rain gear, because the outer bands of the storm may still bring rain and thunderstorms to Orlando. And be prepared for flight delays (pack your patience in addition to your rain jacket!), because weather like this tends to back up every airport in Florida. We’ve got some tips for conquering rainy days at Disney World here! Please stay tuned to DFB for more updates on this weather system. 

We Tested the Viral Rain Shoe Covers in Disney World in a HURRICANE; Here’s What We Learned About Them

How do you prepare for potential weather events? Let us know in the comments below.