The National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced on Tuesday that Tropical System Helene is heading towards Cuba's Pinar del Río province, with the potential to strengthen into a hurricane in the coming hours. The agency has issued warnings for coastal areas likely to be impacted, cautioning about the possibility of severe weather conditions. Cuba's Civil Defense has also urged residents to stay informed and follow official guidelines.
However, even state journalists have pointed out that widespread power outages lasting up to 12 hours a day make it extremely challenging for residents in Pinar del Río to stay updated on the storm's progression. The NHC projects that the center of this tropical cyclone will move northward over the sea between Pinar del Río and Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, with winds potentially reaching hurricane strength at up to 110 mph.
Potential Impact on Florida
Helene is expected to continue its path towards Florida, particularly affecting counties along the Gulf of Mexico. According to the NHC, the effects of Helene could extend hundreds of miles from its center, meaning that even areas like Miami-Dade County might experience the hurricane's impact. Regions experiencing hurricane-force winds (over 74 mph) and tropical storm-force winds (39-73 mph) could face significant disruption, even outside the NHC's designated warning zones.
Uncertainty and Preparedness
The NHC has highlighted the uncertainty in the storm's forecast, which includes a cone-shaped area representing the potential track of the cyclone over the next five days. The center of the cyclone is expected to remain within this cone 60 to 70% of the time. Residents of Pinar del Río and surrounding areas should prepare for severe conditions, including strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The situation with Helene is continuously evolving, and the public is advised to stay informed and ready. In Pinar del Río, rains associated with the system have already begun and are expected to continue through Friday, increasing the risk of minor to moderate flooding in some of the region's rivers.