The tropical storm is forecast to strengthen into a category-three hurricane by Thursday.
Tropical Storm Helene is strengthening in the Caribbean as it heads towards Mexico's Yucatán peninsula.
The US-based National Hurricane Center said that Helene was expected to pass the north-eastern coast of Yucatán in the coming hours and hit Florida late on Thursday local time. At 09:00 GMT, Helene had maximum sustained winds of 65mph and was moving north-west from its position east of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
Red flags warning swimmers not to venture into the sea were flying on the beaches of Cancún as early as Tuesday and fishermen rushed to get their small boats out of the water.Local businesses were boarding up their windows as torrential rain began to fall and high winds blew.The NHC said that once Helene reaches the south-eastern United States, it is expected to "produce total rain accumulations of five to 10 inches" .
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Unsettled weather continues, Tropical Storm Helene approaches FloridaWe’re continuing to track the latest with Helene in the tropics. The storm is forecast to strengthen as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico.
Read more »
Florida residents evacuating as Tropical Storm Helene is expected to become a hurricaneHeavy rains and big waves already lashed the Cayman Islands, and some Florida residents filled sandbags days ahead of anticipated flooding.
Read more »
Storm Helene May Spare Gulf of Mexico Oil PlatformsStorm Helene has prompted oil and gas operators in the Gulf of Mexico to shut in production in anticipation of potential disruptions, but it has moved east suggesting it may spare the oil platforms.
Read more »
Tropical Storm Helene set to become major hurricaneLife-threatening storm surges are expected in Florida once the storm reaches the US on Thursday.
Read more »
Map projects storm Helene hitting US as strongest hurricane in a yearTropical Storm Helene projection paths show it potentially making landfall in Florida as the strongest hurricane in over a year.
Read more »
Tropical Storm Helene intensifies, no impacts expected in New EnglandTropical Storm Helene is anticipated to undergo rapid intensification this week, with landfall occurring in Florida Thursday into Friday.
Read more »