The Provincial Transport Company of Havana announced on Wednesday that the Regla ferry service has been suspended due to adverse weather conditions caused by Hurricane Helene, a Category 1 storm.
According to their statement, the suspension took effect at 8:30 a.m. on September 25, 2024, and will continue as long as the severe weather persists. This preventive measure aims to ensure passenger safety and protect the vessel amid the heavy rains and deteriorating weather impacting Cuba's capital.
On Tuesday, the Maritime Administration of Cuba (AMC) also halted navigation in the Gulf of Batabanó due to the adverse hydrometeorological conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene. This decision affects the ports of Batabanó, Nueva Gerona, and Cayo Largo del Sur and has been in effect since midnight on September 24.
Severe Impacts in Pinar del Río
In Pinar del Río province, where the hurricane's impact is most severe, there have been reports of strong winds and flooding. The hurricane currently has sustained winds of 130 km/h and is moving north-northwest at 17 km/h, indicating a slight increase in its speed.
The latest report from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 10:00 a.m. local time places Helene 135 km north-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and approximately 810 km south-southwest of Tampa, Florida.
Potential Intensification and Impact on the United States
Hurricane Helene, which is expected to impact the United States near Tallahassee, is already battering Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula and western Cuba with hurricane-force winds. The effects will be felt along Florida's coast in the coming hours, even though the storm's center is not expected to make landfall until Thursday.
The NHC warns that Helene could intensify to Category 3 or higher by Thursday.