Storm Helene to Impact Cuba, Strengthen to Hurricane Force in Florida, Reports Reuters

By Dave Sherwood

HAVANA (Reuters) – Tropical Storm Helene is anticipated to cause mudslides and flooding in Cuba before intensifying to hurricane strength on Thursday as it approaches Florida, bringing potentially life-threatening ocean surges, according to the U.S. National Weather Service.

Residents along Florida’s panhandle and west coast have been warned to prepare for destructive winds and storm surges, as indicated by the weather service on Tuesday.

In response, Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for most counties in Florida. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued in certain areas due to the expected coastal flooding.

Climate scientists note that hurricanes affecting Florida have become more frequent and intense as a result of global warming.

The storm is projected to shift north later in the week, impacting parts of Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky with the possibility of isolated flash and urban flooding, the weather service reported.

On Monday, U.S. oil companies began evacuating personnel from production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico as the storm neared.