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Tropical Storm Helene Forms in Caribbean Sea, Heads Toward US

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tropical storm Helene has formed in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane while moving north toward the US. Heavy rains and big waves have already lashed the Cayman Islands, and some Florida residents have begun to evacuate or fill sandbags ahead of anticipated flooding. Hurricane watches have been issued for parts of Cuba, Mexico, and a stretch of the Florida coastline, including Tampa Bay.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tropical storm Helene has formed in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane while moving north toward the US.
  • Heavy rains and big waves have already lashed the Cayman Islands, and some Florida residents have begun to evacuate or fill sandbags ahead of anticipated flooding.
  • Hurricane watches have been issued for parts of Cuba, Mexico, and a stretch of the Florida coastline, including Tampa Bay.
  • A tropical storm warning has been issued for parts of the Florida Keys.
  • The storm is currently 240 kilometres south of the western tip of Cuba, with sustained winds of 85 km/h and moving northwest at 19 km/h.
  • The storm is expected to strengthen into hurricane Helene on Wednesday and could become a major hurricane by Thursday.
  • President Joe Biden has declared an emergency in Florida, and federal authorities are positioning generators, food, and water, along with search-and-rescue and power restoration teams.
  • Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has increased the counties included in the high-risk area from 41 to 61 ahead of the storm's arrival.
  • Former hurricane John killed two people after it hit Mexico's southern Pacific coast, blowing tin roofs off houses and triggering mudslides.

Statistics:

  • The storm is currently 240 kilometres south of the western tip of Cuba.
  • The storm has sustained winds of 85 km/h.
  • The storm is moving northwest at 19 km/h.
  • The storm is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane by Thursday.
  • 61 counties in Florida are now included in the high-risk area.
  • 41 counties were previously included in the high-risk area.
  • Two people were killed by former hurricane John in Mexico's southern Pacific coast.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • U.S. National Hurricane Center

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