SUMMARY: Tropical Storm Helen is currently near Cancun and Cozumel, moving northwest but expected to turn north and enter the Gulf of Mexico today. A weakening high-pressure ridge should allow the storm to intensify, potentially reaching Category 2 status later tonight and Category 3 by tomorrow. It is projected to make landfall in Florida, likely around the Big Bend or Tallahassee by Thursday evening. Helen’s large wind field means tropical storm force winds will be felt widely, posing significant travel risks to Florida on Thursday. Major hurricane force winds may impact inland areas, including Tallahassee, and extend into southern Georgia.

Helene is nearing Cancun and the Yucatan Channel on Wednesday morning. The storm is slowly intensifying as it grows an inner core.

The motion is northwest but should turn northerly later Wednesday as the ridge over the Gulf of Mexico weakens. This will allow Helene to enter the Gulf later today and begin to speed up Thursday. The storms will be under low wind shear, and very hot water temps.

Intensification could become rapid Thursday as the storm nears Florida.

Landfall will likely be Thursday evening in the Big Bend as a major hurricane. Helene will have a giant wind field, so impacts will stretch across a large portion of Florida throughout Thursday. The storms will quickly move inland into Georgia Thursday night bringing more rain and gusty winds.

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SUMMARY: A family‘s worst nightmare was confirmed as the body of 63-year-old Stacy Drga, who disappeared while walking in a park, was found near Fost Park. Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact the Bear County Sheriff’s Office. Concerns are rising in San Antonio after two shootings in fast food restaurant parking lots within four days, one being fatal. Meanwhile, the trial for Brandon Sea, charged with starvation in his son’s death, continues. In other news, a man was convicted for a 2021 crash resulting in a fetal death, and authorities arrested a woman for a deadly vehicle collision.

The KSAT 12 News Team provides a look at local, regional, statewide and national news events and the latest information on local traffic and weather issues.

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SUMMARY: Currently, New Orleans is experiencing hot, sunny weather, exceeding the average fall temperature of 87°F. Tropical Storm Helene has formed, which may reach Category 1 status as it enters the Gulf. Although impacts on Louisiana will be minimal, coastal areas could see flooding and breezy conditions. The storm is expected to intensify to a Category 3 hurricane by Thursday, with potential landfall in the Big Bend of Florida. In New Orleans, a cold front will bring lower temperatures and humidity, with highs dropping to the mid-80s by Thursday, improving conditions as the storm progresses.

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, Tropical Storm Helene is continuing to gain strength and size on its track towards Florida. The storm is expected to rapidly intensify over the warm Gulf of Mexico waters before making landfall somewhere near the Big Bend area.

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