Tropical Storm Helene is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane before landfall, bringing moderate wind and heavy rain to Bay County.

A hurricane warning is now in effect for Florida's west coast from the Anclote River in Pasco County to Mexico Beach in Bay County, as Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall late Thursday. A storm surge warning has also been issued from Flamingo to Indian Pass,

A hurricane watch and warnings of storm surges up to 15 feet high were issued Tuesday for almost all of Florida's western coastline as Tropical Storm Helene formed over the Caribbean Sea and heads toward the Gulf Coast.