Good evening. Here’s the latest weather update on Tropical Storm Helene, which has emerged as a significant concern across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.
As of Tuesday, Tropical Storm Helene has formed over the Caribbean and is intensifying as it moves north-westward.
Forecasts indicate that Helene will continue to strengthen and could become a major hurricane by Wednesday, with landfall expected on the Gulf Coast of Florida late Thursday.
Helene’s path will carry it across the northwestern Caribbean Sea tonight and through the eastern Gulf of Mexico over the next few days.
Meteorologists predict that by Thursday, Helene could reach Category 3 or even Category 4 status, bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall to affected regions.
In response to the impending threat, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 61 counties.
Florida and parts of the Caribbean are on high alert as Helene intensifies, prompting evacuations and emergency declarations ahead of the storm’s expected impact.Mandatory evacuation orders are already in place for some areas, including Charlotte, Manatee, and Franklin counties, while others have issued voluntary evacuation notices.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued hurricane watches for Florida’s Tampa Bay region, as well as parts of eastern Mexico and Cuba.
Hurricane conditions may begin affecting these areas as early as Wednesday. The NHC warns of possible hurricane-force winds and storm surges reaching up to 15 feet in some areas.
Heavy rainfall is also anticipated, with totals ranging from 4 to 8 inches, and isolated areas could see up to 12 inches. This could lead to flash flooding and significant river flooding across the southeastern United States.
Storm surge watches and warnings are in effect for several regions, including Florida’s Tampa Bay and the lower Florida Keys. The NHC advises residents to take evacuation orders seriously, as the storm’s intensity and size could bring life-threatening conditions.
In the Cayman Islands, schools and airports have been closed in preparation for Helene’s arrival, with warnings of dangerous winds and waves.
Cuba is also bracing for severe impacts, including heavy rains and potential flooding, particularly in Havana, which is already facing significant challenges with water shortages and power outages.
Stay tuned for further updates and take all necessary precautions to ensure safety as Tropical Storm Helene approaches.