Weather forecasters have issued hurricane watches for parts of Cuba and Mexico as a cluster of storms south of the Cayman Islands is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane in the coming days while moving north towards the U.S.
The disturbance, potentially named Hurricane Helene, could reach Category 3 status by Wednesday as it approaches the Gulf Coast. Officials are urging residents in the Florida Panhandle and the west coast of Florida to closely monitor the situation.
Florida Governor has declared a state of emergency in 41 counties in anticipation of the storm's impact. While it's too early to predict the exact landfall location, experts warn of the possibility of the storm intensifying to a Category 4 hurricane.
The storm is projected to become a tropical storm by Tuesday, with tropical storm conditions expected in parts of Florida by Wednesday. By Thursday, it could develop into a major hurricane as it approaches the northeast Gulf Coast.
The storm is benefiting from very warm sea temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions, which are conducive to rapid intensification. Heavy rainfall is expected in western Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and parts of Mexico, with potential for flash and river flooding in the Southeast U.S. starting Wednesday.
Authorities have closed schools in the Cayman Islands due to the anticipated heavy flooding. The storm surge of up to 4 feet is forecast for parts of Cuba and Mexico. This storm, if named Helene, would be the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which is predicted to be above average this year due to record-warm ocean temperatures.
