Cyclone 'Helene' is taking shape off the coast of Quintana Roo with an 80% probability of formation. Starting Tuesday, Yucatán, Campeche, and Valladolid can expect intense rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds, particularly in coastal and northeastern areas. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that this low-pressure system will impact the Gulf of Mexico, Central America, the Florida Panhandle, and the west coast of Florida.
In the Southeast US, hurricane watches are in effect as Hurricane Helene, a Category 3 storm, is predicted to hit the northern Gulf Coast of Florida. With up to 1.2 meters of storm surge expected, hurricane watches have also been issued for Cuba and Mexico. This period coincides with an insurance crisis for homeowners and an above-average hurricane season, which expects 17 to 25 named storms and four to seven major hurricanes due to record-warm ocean temperatures.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 41 counties as Tropical Cyclone Nine, positioned 130 miles south-southwest of Grand Cayman, is forecasted to strengthen into a Category 2 or 3 hurricane. It is expected to make landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast by Thursday evening, bringing significant threats of storm surge, coastal flooding, heavy rainfall, and damaging winds.
Meanwhile, Hurricane John threatens Mexico’s Pacific Coast, particularly Guerrero and Oaxaca. Currently a Category 1 storm, it is expected to intensify before making landfall. This has led to warnings of potentially catastrophic flooding and landslides in Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero. Tropical Storm John is already causing extraordinary rains and has prompted school closures and preventive measures across affected regions.
