Hurricane Helene has already caused severe flooding in Pinar del Río, with reports of sea surges, river overflows, and reservoirs spilling over. According to Radio Guamá, 17 out of the province's 24 reservoirs are currently overflowing, with overall capacity at 93%. As of Tuesday afternoon, the dams could handle more than 95 million cubic meters of water.
The Institute of Hydraulic Resources' network of rain gauges recorded significant rainfall accumulations over 20 hours: 218.4 mm at Presa Herradura, 186.8 mm at Los Palacios, 167 mm at La Juventud, and 151.3 mm at Sitio Peña. Radio Guamá shared images on Facebook showing flooding in Cortés and Ciudad Sandino.
In Los Palacios, local authorities and specialists are monitoring the rising water levels in reservoirs and rivers following the heavy rains. The overflow from "La Juventud" reservoir has already submerged the road to San Diego de los Baños near Villa Amistad. "In a few hours, vehicle traffic will be completely halted due to the relentless rain," journalist Ricardo Rodríguez González noted on Facebook.
In Puerta de Golpe, a community in Consolación del Sur, 100 mm of rain has been recorded without significant damage. "El Palenque is currently inaccessible by road. However, preparations are in place to ensure passage through the flooded area if necessary," reported journalist Pedro Lázaro Rodríguez Gil on Facebook.
Hurricane Helene Gains Strength
Tropical Storm Helene escalated to a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday and is rapidly intensifying over the Caribbean Sea as it heads towards the northwest coast of Florida. Helene now boasts maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h and is moving north-northwest at 17 km/h, indicating a slight increase in its forward speed.
The latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 10:00 am placed Helene 135 km north-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, and approximately 810 km south-southwest of Tampa, Florida.