The storm is forecast to be “near hurricane strength” when it passes near Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula early Wednesday, the US National Hurricane Center said, and to “intensify and grow in size” as it moves north across the Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Storm Helene formed Tuesday in the Caribbean Sea and could strengthen into a major hurricane while moving north toward the U.S., forecasters said.

Helene is expected to rapidly intensify into a major and massive hurricane with 115-mph winds by the time it makes landfall Thursday.