Cayman Islands hit by heavy rains as hurricane threatens southeast US
- Heavy rains and waves affected the Cayman Islands on Tuesday as forecasters warned of a nearby storm system.
- Hurricane watches were issued for Florida, Cuba, and Mexico, with potential hurricane conditions expected soon.
- Residents are urged to prepare for severe weather, as the disturbance is likely to strengthen into a major hurricane.
On Tuesday, heavy rains and significant waves impacted the Cayman Islands as forecasters indicated that a nearby cluster of thunderstorms could develop into a major hurricane. Hurricane watches were issued for various regions, including Florida's Tampa Bay and parts of Cuba and Mexico. The National Hurricane Center warned that hurricane conditions could affect these areas soon, urging residents to prepare for potential power outages and to stock up on essential supplies. The disturbance is anticipated to strengthen into Tropical Storm Helene and could escalate to a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall on the northeast Gulf Coast. The National Weather Service emphasized the seriousness of potential evacuations, highlighting the dangers of storm surges that could reach 10-15 feet. In the Cayman Islands, schools and airports were closed in anticipation of severe weather, with forecasts predicting up to 8 inches of rain and isolated totals of 12 inches. The situation is compounded by existing water shortages in Cuba, affecting around 600,000 people, including over 130,000 in Havana. As the storm approaches, heavy rainfall is also expected in the southeast U.S., raising concerns about flash flooding. Helene would mark the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by tropical systems in the region.