Tropical Storm Helene is expected to unleash mudslides and flooding in Cuba before reaching major hurricane strength on Thursday as it hits Florida with life-threatening ocean surge, the U.S. National Weather Service said.

HAVANA (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Helene is expected to unleash mudslides and flooding in Cuba before reaching major hurricane strength on Thursday as it hits Florida with life-threatening ocean surge, the U.S. National Weather Service said.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A tropical disturbance near Cuba could become the next named hurricane in a few days. According to the National Hurricane Center, showers and thunderstorms are becoming better organized with an area of low pressure over the northwestern Caribbean Sea.

Cubans reinforce bridges and prepare theirbelongings ahead of Tropical Storm Helene:: Guanimar, Cuba::Helene was churning about 180 miles (277 km) south of the western tip of Cuba as it barreled northwest,