Hurricane alert for Florida ahead of probable “Helene”

MIAMI – Millions of people from Louisiana to Florida are monitoring potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, which was designated for the Caribbean on Monday and could wreak havoc on the U.S. Gulf Coast later this week.

The classification as a potential tropical cyclone allows the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to issue routine warnings for a system that has not yet developed into a tropical depression or tropical storm, but poses a threat of winds greater than 40 mph (62 km/h). Winds to land within 48 hours.

This falls within the window for issuing tropical storm and hurricane warnings, allowing the NHC to issue them with more lead time and notify vulnerable people earlier about potential impacts in their area.

TRACKING POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE 9: LIVE FORECAST CONE, SPAGHETTI MODELS, WARNINGS, WIND PROJECTIONS AND MORE

Florida prepares for possible impacts

As potential Tropical Cyclone Nine gains strength and heads toward the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, millions of people across the region have been urged to prepare on possible effects.

In Leon County, the capital of Florida, TallahasseeSandbags are being offered to residents as torrential rain is expected and flooding.

According to the NHC, there is a possibility of dangerous and life-threatening Storm surgeheavy rain and strong Winds Impacts on the Florida Panhandle and the west coast of Florida.

“Residents in these areas should monitor the latest weather forecasts and ensure they have an appropriate hurricane plan in place,” the NHC said.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR HURRICANE SEASON

The city of Tallahassee is also making other preparations for the upcoming storm. City officials said crews would work to check known flood areas, remove obstructions and post warnings for motorists.

“If roads are affected, all motorists should use caution and not drive through flooded areas or around road barricades,” city officials wrote on their website.

Supply crews are also preparing for deployment, and additional personnel are on standby in case their services are needed.

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What's new at Potential Tropical Cyclone 9?

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According to the NHC's latest warning, potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is located approximately 130 miles (210 kilometers) south-southwest of Grand Cayman and 350 miles (560 kilometers) south-southeast of the western tip of Cuba.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine has maximum sustained winds of 30 mph and is moving north at 6 mph.

WHAT SHOULD BE IN AN EMERGENCY KIT

Where are observations and warnings for possible Tropical Cyclone 9 in effect?

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Due to the threat posed by potential Tropical Cyclone Nine in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the Mexican Yucata Peninsula from Rio Lagartos to Tulum and a Hurricane Warning has been issued for Cabo Catoche to Tulum.

A tropical storm warning has also been issued for parts of Cuba, the Isle of Youth, Artemisa and Pinar del Rio. A hurricane warning is in effect for Pinar del Rio.

FORECASTERS ARE MONITORING TWO PROBLEM AREAS FOR TROPICAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE ATLANTIC

Where is Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 go?

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According to the NHC, potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is expected to continue moving northwest on Tuesday and into the night of Tuesday into Sunday, followed by a faster movement to the north or north-northeast on Wednesday and Thursday.

According to the NHC, the center of the system is expected to move across the northwestern Caribbean and into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico over the next few days.