Helene Brings Tropical Storm Watches For Azores Islands

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Tropical Storm watches have been issued for the Azores Islands ahead of Helene.

It continues to weaken as it moves north over the eastern Atlantic.

At 11 p.m., the center of the storm was about 1425 southwest of the Azores.

Helene is moving toward the north near 21 mph.

The cyclone is expected to accelerate and turn toward the northeast over the weekend.

On this forecast track, Helene will be passing near or over the Azores late Saturday or Sunday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph with higher gusts.

Little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* All of the Azores Islands

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area by late Saturday.

RAINFALL: Helene is expected to produce total rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches across the Azores, with isolated amounts up to 8 inches across the western Azores.

This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash flooding.

SURF: Swells generated by Helene are affecting portions of the Azores.

These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Please consult products from your local weather office.