Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 3 storm, is making its way towards the US Gulf Coast, prompting urgent alerts from Cuba, Mexico, and the United States. With its strength and size, Helene is expected to bring significant disruptions, impacting not only coastal areas but also inland regions.
As Helene intensifies, western Cuba is already experiencing the effects of tropical storm conditions. Tropical Storm and Hurricane Warnings are in place, urging residents to take necessary precautions. The storm is also threatening the northeastern Mexican coast of Yucatán, passing near Cancún and Cozumel. Mexican authorities have raised red flags on beaches and advised residents to secure their properties.
The US Gulf Coast is bracing for a direct hit. Forecasters are issuing warnings of life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and major flooding across Florida and the southeastern US. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for almost all of the state’s counties, anticipating potential evacuations. Helene’s projected impact on the Florida Big Bend could bring over 10 feet of storm surge and pose significant risks to northern Florida and southern Georgia.
The hurricane’s arrival is prompting widespread travel disruptions. Tampa International Airport will be suspending operations starting at 2 a.m. Thursday, remaining closed until Friday. Other airports in the Hillsborough County area will follow suit. Airlines, including United, Delta, and American, have issued travel alerts, with flight delays and cancellations expected to increase as Helene nears. At Cancún International Airport, 59 flights have already been canceled, and 80 have been delayed, likely due to Helene’s approaching path.
Cruise lines are also adjusting their itineraries. Several have rerouted their ships to avoid the hurricane’s path. Disney and Carnival are among those taking preventive measures, while Norwegian Cruise Line has reported that its vessels are unaffected by Helene’s current trajectory.
Hurricane Helene is poised to become one of the most powerful hurricanes to strike the US in over a year. Its sheer size is a cause for concern, with storm surge anticipated to impact a large area of Florida’s west coast and the Florida Big Bend. Floodwaters could reach heights of over 10 feet in certain areas. Inland areas, including southern Georgia and parts of the southern Appalachians, are at risk of damaging winds and flash floods.
With Helene’s rapid approach, residents in Florida, Georgia, and other southeastern states are urged to heed evacuation orders and secure their properties immediately. This is a storm that requires serious attention and prompt action due to its potential for devastating hurricane-force winds and storm surges.
