Tropical Storm Helene is progressing over the northwest of the Caribbean Sea, nearing the coasts of Quintana Roo. This has led to the suspension of school classes in parts of the state. The National Meteorological Service has reported that the storm could cause heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, and high waves in Quintana Roo and Yucatán. Rainfall is expected to accumulate between 200 and 250 mm in these areas, while Campeche could see between 100 and 150 mm from September 24 to 28.
According to the latest reports, Helene is moving west-northwest at 19 km/h with sustained winds of 95 km/h and gusts up to 110 km/h. It is predicted that the storm will intensify to a category 1 hurricane in the early hours of Wednesday, September 25. The hurricane could potentially have winds reaching 150 km/h before it enters the Yucatán channel.
In response to the potential impact of Helene, Quintana Roo's governor, Mara Lezama, has announced the suspension of classes at all educational levels in the coastal municipalities. This includes Cozumel, Benito Juárez, Tulum, and Puerto Morelos. Alejandra Méndez Girón, general coordinator of the National Meteorological Service, stated in a press conference that there is a 60% chance that Helene will make landfall in the southern states of the Republic.
In preparation for the storm, authorities have deployed 23 brigades and 35 specialized teams in Mérida, Yucatán. In Quintana Roo, a brigade with 10 members and 11 teams are present in Chetumal and Tulum, with an additional team sent to Cancun as a precautionary measure. The Secretary of the Navy has also ordered the closure of ports for larger and smaller vessels in various locations, including Puerto Juarez, Isla Mujeres, and Playa del Carmen.
In Quintana Roo, shelters for pets have been made available in Lázaro Cárdenas, Benito Juárez, Isla Mujeres, and Cozumel.
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