Tampa Bay officials began evacuations Tuesday afternoon ahead of Tropical Storm Helene, which is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane on Florida’s Gulf Coast in the next few days. Some locals,

As Helene passes, storm surge will be an issue. South wind will shift to the southwest pushing water into the coastline and into Tampa Bay. Storm surge can be as high as 5 to 10 feet along the Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando county coastlines and 10 to 15 feet along Citrus County and 4 to 8 feet in Tampa Bay itself.

Tampa Bay residents should prepare for Tropical Storm Helene, local officials say, with the storm expected to become a hurricane once it enters the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday. What had been called Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine developed into Tropical Storm Helene Tuesday morning,

TAMPA-- Just weeks after getting drenched by Debby, Florida's west coast prepares for the potential of tropical storm force winds and more rain from Potential Tropical Cyclone 9. Governor DeSantis has issued a state of emergency in these counties,

Sandbags will be available at the Youth Sports Complex, 10369 U.S. Highway 301, from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Proof of residency is required and there is a 10-bag limit.