Tropical Storm Helene has emerged in the Caribbean Sea and is predicted to potentially intensify into a significant hurricane as it progresses towards the U.S., forecasters have revealed. Harsh rains and large waves have already started hitting the Cayman Islands, prompting some residents in Florida to begin preemptively filling sandbags in anticipation of potential flooding.
Hurricane watches have been put in place for various parts in Cuba, Mexico, and areas along the Florida coastline, encompassing Tampa Bay, the U.S. National Hurricane Center disclosed. Additionally, a tropical storm warning has been issued for segments of the Florida Keys.
At the moment, the storm is approximately 175 miles (280 kilometers) south of the western tip of Cuba, with sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph) and a northwest movement at 12 mph (19 kph). Forecasts suggest it is likely to transform into Hurricane Helene by Wednesday as it nears the Gulf Coast, and there is a potential for it to escalate into a major hurricane by Thursday.
In readiness for the storm’s impending arrival, federal authorities in the U.S. are arranging generators, food, water, search-and-rescue teams, and power restoration crews, as stated by White House spokesperson Jeremy Edwards. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on Monday ahead of the storm’s projected impact on the state’s Gulf Coast potentially as early as late Thursday, extending the high-risk region to include 61 counties.
Lisa Bucci, a specialist at the hurricane center, emphasized the importance of taking precautions and preparing for the storm’s impact, especially in areas under watches and warnings. She advised securing an adequate supply of food and water that could sustain for at least three days, as power outages may occur. Helene, the eighth named storm in the Atlantic hurricane season, has the potential to elevate into a major Category 3 hurricane before reaching the northeastern Gulf Coast.
Given the potential size of the storm, storm surge, strong winds, and heavy rainfall are expected to extend far beyond the storm’s center, particularly on its eastern side. Bucci warned that even states further inland such as Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana could experience storm-related rainfall. Various warnings and watches have been issued for different regions likely to be affected by the storm.
DeSantis has drawn parallels between the forecasted impact of Hurricane Helene and the catastrophic Hurricane Michael in 2018, cautioning the communities, especially in the western Florida Panhandle, which are still recovering from past hurricanes. He anticipates significant effects from the approaching storm regardless of its exact trajectory.
The storm surge watch impends for regions like Florida’s Tampa Bay, while a tropical storm watch extends from parts of the Florida Keys to areas in the Gulf Coast. Cuba, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands have already been experiencing adverse weather conditions related to the storm.
Floridians in Tarpon Springs have been seen preemptively filling sandbags, anticipating potential flooding despite the sunny weather on Tuesday. In the Cayman Islands, the impact of the storm has prompted closures of schools, airports, and government offices, with power outages affecting parts of Grand Cayman.
The forecast indicates that Helene is expected to maneuver between Cuba and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula before veering northward over the Gulf of Mexico. Significant rainfall is anticipated for several regions, with coastal flooding and heavy rain posing risks.
Mexican authorities have mobilized efforts to evacuate tourists from low-lying coastal areas like Holbox, issuing ferry services to ensure their safety ahead of the storm’s trajectory. Meteorologists project that the storm is likely to remain offshore in Mexico, minimizing the potential land impact.
The ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, spanning from June 1 to November 30, has been predicted to be above average by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration due to unusually warm ocean temperatures. The forecast suggests there could be 17 to 25 named storms, with the likelihood of four to seven becoming major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. Meanwhile, in the Pacific, former Hurricane John has caused fatalities and significant damage in Mexico.