Tropical Storm Helene forms in Caribbean and is expected to become a hurricane and move toward US

Tropical Storm Helene forms in Caribbean and is expected to become a hurricane and move toward US
By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and DÁNICA COTO
Associated Press

Tropical Storm Helene formed has formed in the Caribbean Sea, and forecasters say it will strengthen into a major hurricane while moving north toward the United States.

Hurricane watches have been issued for parts of Cuba, Mexico and a stretch of the Florida coastline, including Tampa Bay. A tropical storm warning has been issued for parts of the Florida Keys.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center says the storm was located 170 miles southeast of Cuba and had sustained winds of 45 mph.

It is expected to strengthen into Hurricane Helene on Wednesday as it approaches the Gulf Coast. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in dozens of counties ahead of its arrival.