Hurricane Helene is gaining strength as it moves toward the Gulf of Mexico and became a hurricane Wednesday morning. Helene is forecast to become a Category 3 hurricane on Thursday as it moves toward Florida's northern Gulf coast. Get the latest weather forecast here .
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A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for all of Southwest Florida, including:
- Collier County
- Charlotte County
- DeSoto County
- Glades County
- Hendry County
- Lee County
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for all coastal Southwest Florida, including:
- Collier County
- Charlotte County
- Lee County
County-by-county impacts
According to the NWS, tropical moisture is expected to increase in east Central Florida on Wednesday as outer rain bands begin to move northward, which could flood some low-lying and urban areas.
The threat for severe weather on Wednesday will be very isolated. Expect some rain and one or two storms with the potential to spark up a tornado.
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