Tropical storm Helene: Florida residents begin evacuating ahead of landfall

Tropical storm Helene formed Tuesday in the Caribbean Sea and could strengthen into a major hurricane while moving north toward the U.S., forecasters said. Heavy rains and big waves already lashed the Cayman Islands, and some Florida residents filled sandbags days ahead of anticipated flooding. Hurricane watches were issued for parts of Cuba, Mexico and a stretch of the Florida coastline, including Tampa Bay, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. A tropical storm warning was issued for parts of the Florida Keys. The storm was 175 miles (280 kilometers) south of the western tip of Cuba, had sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph) and was moving northwest at 12 mph (19 kph). It was expected to strengthen into Hurricane Helene on Wednesday as it approached the Gulf Coast and could become a major hurricane Thursday. Global's Reggie Cecchini explains. For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/10772435/tropical-storm-helene-caribbean-florida-major-hurricane/ Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ Follow Global News on X HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB #GlobalNews #Florida #HurricaneHelene