Early computer models took it west for a few days, but the other storm in front of it — Tropical Storm Kirk — ended up on a northern track that would keep it far from land. Kirk is also expected to become a major Category 3 hurricane as soon as Thursday.

Hurricane Helene, which is currently Category 1, formed from an area of low pressure in the Caribbean, having strengthened rapidly over the last few days. The hurricane is expected to be the "strongest hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. this season," possibly hitting Category 3 or 4 strength.