Cancún, Quintana Roo — On the morning of Wednesday, September 25, the National Meteorological Service (SMN) reported that Tropical Storm Helene is rapidly approaching the coast of Quintana Roo. Located just 65 kilometers east of Cancún and 100 kilometers from Cozumel, Helene is generating significant concern among local authorities and residents as it approaches the region.
Governor Mara Lezama has issued a red alert, the maximum level of danger, for several municipalities in Quintana Roo. Through social media, Lezama confirmed that Benito Juárez, Isla Mujeres, Lázaro Cárdenas, Puerto Morelos, and Cozumel are all on high alert due to the proximity of the tropical storm.
Red Alert Declared for Quintana Roo
With the red alert now in effect, Governor Lezama urged the population to stay at home, stressing the importance of remaining indoors and avoiding any unnecessary travel. “Given the potential dangers posed by Helene, we ask that all residents in affected areas prioritize their safety and follow all official instructions closely,” she said in a statement.
Residents of Quintana Roo, especially those in the municipalities on red alert, are preparing for potentially severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rainfall. Shelters have been established for those in need, and emergency services are on standby as the storm continues its approach.
Potential Landfall Imminent
According to the National Water Commission (Conagua), Helene’s center is currently located over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and could make landfall in northern Quintana Roo, possibly near Cancún, within the next few hours.
“Although the trajectory is still uncertain, we cannot rule out that Helene could directly impact northern Quintana Roo during the morning of September 25,” the SMN stated. As of 6:15 AM, Helene was packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 140 kilometers per hour. The storm is moving northwest at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour, intensifying concerns for the region’s coastal communities.
Early Impacts and Preparation in Quintana Roo
In anticipation of the storm’s effects, Governor Lezama confirmed that several northern parts of the state have already begun to experience disruptions.
- Banks in northern Quintana Roo will remain closed for the day, although mobile banking services will continue to operate as normal.
- Public transportation remains functional, but adverse weather conditions have limited its capacity to operate fully in the affected areas.
- The Quintana Roo Regional Delegation of Infonavit and the Cancun Service Center will also remain closed throughout Wednesday as a safety precaution.
The governor further added that shelters in the municipality of Lázaro Cárdenas are now fully operational. Kantunilkin, San Ángel, and Solferino shelters are open and currently housing residents who have sought refuge from the storm. In Ek Balam, a shelter is providing accommodations not only for residents but also for individuals arriving with their pets.
Authorities Urge Caution and Readiness
Local authorities, along with national emergency services, are urging all residents to prepare for potential disruptions to daily life, including power outages, flooding, and communication issues. Evacuation orders are not yet in place, but officials continue to closely monitor the situation and are ready to respond as necessary.
Mara Lezama emphasized that safety remains the primary concern. “We are doing everything in our power to protect the people of Quintana Roo from the impact of Tropical Storm Helene. Please stay indoors and follow all instructions from emergency services. We will keep the public updated as the situation develops,” she stated.
The National Meteorological Service has advised that residents in the affected areas should remain vigilant, closely monitor official updates, and make any necessary preparations to protect themselves and their properties. As of now, no major evacuations have been ordered, but officials are keeping all options on the table as the storm continues to move closer to the Mexican coastline.
As Tropical Storm Helene advances, the coming hours will be critical in determining the storm’s exact trajectory and potential landfall. Residents of Quintana Roo and surrounding areas are urged to stay informed and follow local news for real-time updates on the storm’s progress.
Helene’s path remains unpredictable, and while the worst may yet be avoided, Quintana Roo remains braced for the storm’s full impact.
Cancún, Quintana Roo — On the morning of Wednesday, September 25, the National Meteorological Service (SMN) reported that Tropical Storm Helene is rapidly approaching the coast of Quintana Roo. Located just 65 kilometers east of Cancún and 100 kilometers from Cozumel, Helene is generating significant concern among local authorities and residents as it approaches the region.
