Forecasters say they expect Tropical Storm Helene in the Caribbean Sea to strengthen rapidly and become a hurricane as it moves north across the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday toward the U.S.

Gov. DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for more than 41 counties across the state ahead of the storm. Ahead of the storm, several counties have opened sandbag locations for people to fill their sandbags. Here is our latest list. FOX 35 will continue to update as information comes into the newsroom.

Much of the Gulf Coast of Florida was placed under hurricane, storm surge and tropical storm watches ahead of an expected hurricane.