The tropical storm Helene has gained strength as it nears the northeastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula on its way toward Florida's west coast. The storm is currently bringing intense rainfall to western Cuba, particularly affecting areas on the right side of the storm, which are experiencing the heaviest rain bands.
As of 4:00 a.m. CDT, Helene was situated approximately 75 km east-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and about 190 km southwest of Cabo de San Antonio in Cuba. The storm is moving northwest at a speed of 15 km/h, with maximum sustained winds of 100 km/h, according to the latest update from the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Helene's Projected Path and Strength
Helene is expected to continue its northward trajectory over the coming hours, skirting the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and entering the Gulf of Mexico later today. The storm is forecasted to make landfall on Florida's west coast by Thursday night, potentially arriving as a major hurricane.
Although Helene is not anticipated to make landfall in Cuba, it poses significant risks, particularly for Pinar del Río, which is under a "hurricane watch," as well as Artemisa and the Isle of Youth, both under a "tropical storm warning." These areas are already experiencing rainfall and gusty winds.
Impact on Cuba
In western Cuba, storm surges could elevate water levels by 2 to 4 feet above normal, especially in coastal regions of Pinar del Río and the Isle of Youth. Heavy rains, with accumulations of up to 12 inches, raise the risk of flash flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas.
Florida Braces for Impact
In Florida, a hurricane warning is in effect for the coast from the Anclote River to Mexico Beach, with hurricane conditions expected by Thursday night. Even now, Florida is feeling Helene's impact, with heavy rains and strong winds affecting the region as of Wednesday morning. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties are under a tropical storm warning.
Meteorologists are warning of a growing risk of potentially deadly storm surges and dangerous hurricane-force winds in parts of the northern and northeastern Gulf coast, including areas of Florida's Panhandle and west coast. A tropical storm warning is also in place for the Florida Keys, from the Channel 5 Bridge to Ocean Reef, and the west coast up to the Anclote River.
In areas like Tampa Bay, a storm surge warning is active, with water levels potentially reaching heights of 5 to 15 feet, endangering residents in these zones. Helene is expected to escalate to hurricane status within the next few hours.