Helene stronger in the Gulf of Mexico heading for the United States

Washington, Sep 26 (Prensa Latina) Hurricane Helene has strengthened in its northern course, and now circulates along the northeast coast of the Gulf of Mexico with maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour, the National Hurricane Center reported today.

September 26, 2024
10:03

In its 12th bulletin, the entity forecasts that the event will bring catastrophic winds and storm surge, and warns of the need to make preparations to protect life and property.

Located at latitude 24.2 North, longitude 86.2 West, or 560 kilometers southwest of Tampa, Florida, Helene is moving at 19 kilometers per hour, and on the forecast track will continue this day across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and cross Florida’s Big Bend coast this afternoon or early Friday morning.

After landfall, Helene is expected to turn northwestward and decelerate, while weakening over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 95 kilometers.

jrr/jav/mem/alb