Hurricane Watches Issued for Cuba and Mexico as Tropical Storm Helene Strengthens: U.S. Gulf Coast on Alert
Hurricane watches were issued for parts of Cuba and Mexico on Monday as a cluster of storms south of the Cayman Islands is expected to intensify into a major hurricane. The National Hurricane Center predicts that the storm, likely to become Hurricane Helene by Wednesday, will move north and pose a significant threat to the U.S. Gulf Coast. The region is urged to remain on high alert in the coming days.
Potential Major Hurricane on the Horizon
Forecasters warn that the storm could strengthen rapidly. Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center, stated, “It could certainly become a major hurricane, which is Category 3 or higher.” Reinhart urged residents of the Florida Panhandle and the west coast of Florida to stay vigilant as the storm develops.
As a precaution, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 41 counties on Monday. Though the exact landfall location remains uncertain, Reinhart noted that the storm could potentially reach Category 4 status. However, this is not yet the most likely scenario, underscoring the need for preparedness in facing this unpredictable storm.
Storm Intensification Expected
The disturbance is expected to develop into a tropical storm by Tuesday, with tropical storm conditions affecting parts of Florida as early as Wednesday. The system could reach the northeast Gulf Coast as a major hurricane by Thursday. Reinhart noted that sea temperatures and atmospheric conditions are ideal for rapid intensification, with warm waters and favorable upper-level winds likely to fuel the storm.
“The forecast is quite aggressive in intensification over the next few days,” Reinhart explained. “People need to remain on high alert.”
Warnings and Watches in Effect
As of Monday, the storm was located approximately 105 miles southwest of Grand Cayman, with sustained winds of 35 mph, moving north-northwest at seven mph. Hurricane watches have been issued for Cuba’s Pinar del Rio province and parts of eastern Mexico, including Cabo Catoche to Tulum. A tropical storm warning is also in effect for parts of eastern Mexico and Cuba, with watches for Florida’s Dry Tortugas and the Lower Keys.
The National Hurricane Center warned of life-threatening storm surges and damaging winds along the Florida Panhandle and West Coast. While the exact impact remains uncertain, the potential for severe weather continues to grow.
Heavy Rainfall and Flood Risks
Western Cuba and the Cayman Islands could receive up to eight inches of rain, with isolated areas receiving as much as 12 inches. Eastern Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula may see up to six inches of rainfall. In the U.S., heavy rainfall is expected across the Southeast beginning Wednesday, with up to six inches forecast, and isolated areas seeing up to 10 inches, raising the risk of flash flooding and river overflow.
Forecasters predict up to four feet of storm surge in parts of Cuba and Mexico, while schools in the Cayman Islands have been closed due to the threat of heavy flooding as the storm nears.
A Busy Hurricane Season
If named, Helene will be the eighth storm of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above-average season, driven by record-warm ocean temperatures. This year’s forecast calls for 17 to 25 named storms, with four to seven expected to reach Category 3 or higher.
Residents in the storm’s path are urged to stay informed and prepare for potential evacuation orders as Hurricane Helene approaches the Gulf Coast.