The National Hurricane Center has provided a 5:00pm ET update. [SEE HERE]
At 500 PM EDT (2100 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 19.7 North, longitude 84.7 West. Helene is moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph (19 km/h). A turn toward the northwest is expected tonight, followed by a general northward motion beginning on Wednesday and continuing through Friday. On the forecast track, the center of Helene will pass near the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday, move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday and Thursday, and reach the Big Bend coast of Florida late Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to become a hurricane on Wednesday. The storm is forecast to rapidly strengthen over the eastern Gulf of Mexico and become a major hurricane on Thursday. (link)

There are many variables still present within the models for the track of TS Helene as it develops and strengthens into a hurricane. Essentially, the largest variable is the intensity of the storm as it approaches the coastline. There are significant variables; however, everyone should prepare for the worst scenario and then adjust with additional information as it is provided.
It is very important to pay attention to your local officials and emergency management teams. Each area is very different, and each community can feel a totally different impact depending on topographical, geographical and regional distinctions. Listen to state officials, pay attention to the National Hurricane experts, but the best suggestion is to focus your attention on the advice of local EMS officials.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis provided a press briefing earlier today (below).
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