Tropical Storm Helene is rapidly strengthening in the Caribbean Sea and is projected to become a hurricane as it moves north along Mexico’s coast towards the U.S. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued warnings and evacuations in Florida and Georgia in anticipation of the storm’s arrival. Helene is expected to reach major hurricane status of Category 3 or higher by Thursday, bringing heavy rainfall and potentially life-threatening storm surges to the southeastern U.S.
Mexico is still recovering from Hurricane John, which hit the southern Pacific coast and caused damage and casualties. Helene, forming in the Caribbean, is expected to intensify over warm waters and impact regions along its path with power outages, flooding, and dangerous conditions from wind and rain.
The storm is anticipated to be large and fast-moving, with storm surges and rainfall extending far from its center. States further inland are also preparing for potential impacts, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season with multiple named storms and major hurricanes.
President Joe Biden declared an emergency in Florida and deployed FEMA teams to support local responders, while Governors in Florida and Georgia also declared emergencies in their states. Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for extended power outages and potential evacuations, as the storm is expected to bring significant impacts as it moves towards the U.S. coastline.
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