Tropical Storm Helene: Mexico and Florida brace as storm intensifies
Ilaria Grasso MacolaPreparations for the arrival of Tropical Storm Helene are under way, the latest storm in what is expected to be an “above-normal Atlantic hurricane season”.
Tropical Storm Helene has already brought adverse conditions to Mexico’s heavily touristed Yucatan peninsula, and is expected to arrive in Florida later in the week.
Florida governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 61 counties, including Hillsborough and Orange – home to popular destinations such as Tampa and theme park capital Orlando.
Visit Florida has urged industry partners to consult its travel safety information page, which is it is updating with vital updates for tourists and other visitors.
Meanwhile, online travel agencies Expedia and Priceline have opened emergency accommodation platforms to provide real-time information on hotel availability for those seeking shelter.
Virgin Atlantic is yet to cancel any flights as it continues to monitor the situation, but several US and Mexican carriers – including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico – have grounded some flights.
“As we monitor the development of Tropical Storm Helene, it’s crucial that you begin preparing for any potential impacts now,” Visit Florida warned partners in a statement.
Formed on Tuesday (22 September) in the Caribbean sea, Tropical Storm Helene has gained strength as it passes Cuba and Mexico and is forecast to turn into a category three hurricane before making landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast later this week.
Mexican authorities have warned of heavy rain and winds of 45mph in the eastern regions of Yucatan and Quintana Roo, home to resort towns Merida and Cancun.
“Please follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including any evacuation orders,” said the UK Foreign Office in updated travel advice for Mexico.
In the US, Tropical Storm Helene will bring heavy rains and flooding not only across portions of Florida, but also across the southern Appalachians and the wider south-east – Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.
"There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of the Florida peninsula and the Florida Big Bend,” the US National Hurricane Center warned. “The highest inundation levels are expected along the coast of the Florida Big Bend.
“Residents in those areas should follow advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do so.”
Tropical Storm Helene is the eighth named storm of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, one experts at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict will be "above-normal".
The NOAA predicts there will be 17 to 25 named storms during the period to November, eight of which will become hurricanes with wind speeds of at least 74mph.
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