The storm is expected to make landfall near Tampa on Thursday. Airlines are letting impacted passengers change travel plans without incurring change or cancellation fees.

Tropical Storm Helene was rapidly strengthening in the Caribbean Sea and expected to become a hurricane Wednesday while moving north along Mexico's coast toward the U.S., prompting residents to evacuate, schools to close and officials to declare emergencies in Florida and Georgia.

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

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.

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. Heavy rains and big waves already

Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is expected to become Hurricane Helene on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Multiple major airlines have issued travel alerts or advisories ahead of Tropical Storm Helene. United Airlines has issued a travel alert that impacts eight airports in Florida. Those airports include the Sarasota/Bradenton and Tampa airports.

Tropical Storm Helene is currently headed through the Yucatan Peninsula bringing up to 12 inches (30.1cm) of rain to the region in Mexico. On Wednesday morning the weather front is expected to become a hurricane with the possibility of becoming a Category 3 major hurricane by the time it reaches the Florida panhandle on Thursday.