Tropical Storm Helene Triggers Red Alert in Quintana Roo, Mexico
The hurricane season is intensifying in Mexico as the State of Quintana Roo declares a red alert due to the imminent threat of Tropical Storm Helene. Governor Mara Lezama announced that municipalities including Benito Juárez, Isla Mujeres, Lázaro Cárdenas, Puerto Morelos, and Cozumel are under maximum danger as the storm approaches, expected to make landfall within hours.
As of the latest report from the National Meteorological Service (SMN), Helene is situated approximately 65 km east of Cancun, with maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h and gusts reaching up to 140 km/h. The storm is predicted to bring torrential rains, with accumulations of 150 to 250 mm likely across Quintana Roo and Yucatán, alongside dangerous coastal conditions including waves of 3 to 5 meters high.
In light of these developments, civil protection authorities have activated alert levels across 121 municipalities, with warnings ranging from orange to blue alerts. The situation is compounded by the recent impact of Hurricane John, which struck Mexico's southern coast, causing significant flooding and landslides.
Authorities urge residents to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety recommendations in the prevention zone extending from Cabo Catoche to Tulum.
U.S. Prepares for Hurricane Helene as Warnings Expand
As Tropical Storm Helene approaches, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued tropical storm warnings for the southwest coast of Florida, specifically from Bonita Beach to Flamingo. This comes in anticipation of Helene's potential development into a hurricane, with forecasts indicating it could strengthen significantly as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico.
The NHC has classified Helene as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, warning of life-threatening storm surges and coastal flooding as it nears landfall, possibly as early as Thursday night. Areas along the Gulf Coast are urged to prepare for hurricane-force winds and significant storm surges that may produce destructive waves.
Meanwhile, Hurricane John, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, has weakened but continues to pose flooding risks across southern Mexico. The storm has led to warnings of life-threatening flash flooding and landslides, particularly in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero.
As the hurricane season progresses, both Mexico and the U.S. remain on high alert for the developments of these storms, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and safety measures.
