Hurricane Helene separated from Mexico's Yucatan peninsula on Wednesday morning and began its northeast trek toward Florida. Senior meteorologist Nicole Carlisle of the National Weather Service's Tampa Bay office said Helene is expected to strengthen pretty quickly over the next 24 hours as it crosses the Gulf.

Tropical storm conditions are expected in Polk County within 36 hours as Helene begins strengthening and heading north through the Gulf of Mexico

Polk County is avoiding a direct hit from Hurricane Helene, but officials and homeowners are still preparing for tropical storm conditions.