Naples, Florida – The Gulf Coast of Florida is on high alert as Tropical Storm Helene is expected to intensify into a dangerous Category 3 hurricane by the end of the week. The National Hurricane Center officially named Helene a tropical storm on Tuesday morning, noting its well-defined circulation center and growing organization.
Projections show that Helene is likely to hit the west coast of Florida, prompting tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches for parts of western Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula. Residents in these areas, as well as travelers to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel, are advised to stay updated with their carriers and consider changing their plans. The Florida Keys are under tropical storm warnings, with hurricane and tropical storm watches extending along most of the Gulf Coast of Florida.
As Helene moves towards the eastern Gulf Coast, it will pass over record-warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, which will fuel its rapid intensification. The high ocean heat content in these waters, exacerbated by human-caused climate change, is a key factor in the storm’s strength. Sea surface temperatures in the storm’s path are exceptionally warm, further supporting its development.
In addition to warm waters, Helene is expected to pass over the Loop Current, an area of warm water that flows into the eastern Gulf of Mexico and aids in storm intensification. Favorable conditions, including high levels of storm-moisture and low wind shear, create an environment conducive to rapid strengthening. The storm is projected to become a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 115 mph at landfall.
Emergency declarations have been issued for 61 counties in Florida ahead of Helene’s arrival, with residents on the west coast urged to listen to evacuation orders. The storm is expected to bring widespread impacts, including damaging wind, storm surge flooding, and heavy rainfall. Even communities far from the storm’s center could experience severe weather, emphasizing the need for preparedness and caution along the Gulf Coast of Florida.