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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY IMPACTS: What to expect

Where to expect winds and rainfall Thursday as Helene approaches

Hurricane Helene is now forecast to become a Category 4 storm as it bears down on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

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By: Audra Schroeder

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and last updated

Helene is now a hurricane, and is expected to bring destructive storm surge, winds and flooding to Florida's Gulf Coast and Big Bend region.

WPTV First Alert Weather Chief Meteorologist Steve Weagle is tracking the storm, which is expected to turn toward the north-northeast later tonight, and increase in speed.

Weagle says Helene is expected to strengthen into a major Category 4 hurricane before making landfall in Florida's Big Bend region on Thursday night.

Hurricane

Steve Weagle: Here's what you need to know about Helene

Steve Weagle

What should we expect here? A tropical storm warning has been issued for Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, and a flood watch has been issued for Palm Beach County south to Miami.

Here's a county-by-county breakdown of what to expect on Thursday:

PALM BEACH COUNTY

A flood watch has been issued Wednesday for Palm Beach County south to Miami.

Palm Beach County public schools are closed Thursday.

Palm Beach County is expected ton see 2-4 inches of rain and 25-40 mph winds.

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Tropical Weather

Palm Beach Co., Treasure Coast schools closed Thursday

Matt Papaycik

MARTIN COUNTY

The Martin County School District said all schools will be closed Thursday.

The county could see 2-4 inches of rain and 25-40 mph winds.

TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide

ST. LUCIE COUNTY

St. Lucie Public Schools said all schools will be closed on Thursday, and any district-sponsored afterschool activities — including tutoring, athletics, and clubs — will be canceled Wednesday and Thursday.

The county is expected to see 2-4 inches of rain and 30-45 mph winds.

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

Indian River State College said it will close to employees, students, and visitors at 5 p.m. Wednesday and will remain closed on Thursday.

The county is expected to see 2-4 inches of rain and 30-45 mph winds.

OKEECHOBEE COUNTY

Okeechobee County is currently one of 61 Florida counties under a state of emergency because of Helene.

Okeechobee County facilities and parks, City of Okeechobee facilities, property appraiser, the administration offices of the Sheriff, Public Schools, Judicial Center, Department of Health, and Supervisor of Elections will be closed on Thursday. The tax collector and some county parks will begin closing on Wednesday afternoon.

The county is expecting 2-3 inches of rain, and 35-50 mph winds.