Due to the effects of what will become Tropical Storm Helene affecting eastern Mexico and western Cuba September 2024, you may want to consider delaying your travel — or, at least, keep yourself updated as to the latest information pertaining to the weather — if this area of the Caribbean region is in your travel plans over the next few days.
Tropical Storm Helene Affecting Eastern Mexico and Western Cuba: September 2024 Travel Alert
Maximum sustained winds of what is to become Tropical Storm Helene — which is currently approximately 300 miles southeast of the western tip of Cuba and moving north northwest at a speed of seven miles per hour — are at 35 miles per hour, which means that it is currently four miles per hour shy of being a weak tropical storm. Tropical Storm Helene is expected to strengthen to hurricane status as it enters the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 and may eventually be classified as a major hurricane.
Outer bands of this tropical storm system are already currently affecting portions of the Cayman Islands, western Cuba, and eastern Mexico.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:
- Cabo Catoche to Tulum in Mexico
- Cuban province of Pinar del Rio
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- Grand Cayman
- Rio Lagartos to Tulum in Mexico
- The provinces of Artemisa and Pinar del Rio in Cuba, and the Isle of Youth
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:
- Dry Tortugas
- Lower Florida Keys south of the Seven Mile Bridge
Significant precipitation of up to twelve inches is possible in across portions of western Cuba and the Cayman Islands, which is expected to result in considerable urban flooding and flash flooding.
Rough surf and strong rip currents are currently affecting the southern coast of Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. A storm surge of as high as four feet above normal is expected to contribute to the aforementioned significant flooding of portions of Pinar del Rio, Cuba — including the Isle of Youth — and the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
Expect windy conditions to occur over much of the the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and western Cuba.
Flight Waivers, Delays, and Cancellations
If you are traveling to or from eastern Mexico and western Cuba, expect delays and cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to this tropical weather system which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary. If you are driving in any of these areas, watch out for deteriorating weather conditions and traffic problems.
Here are nine airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of this tropical weather system:
- Delta Air Lines has issued travel alerts for Cancún, Havana, and twelve airports in four states for Wednesday, September 25, 2024 through Friday, September 27, 2024; and Monday, September 30, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Southwest Airlines has issued travel alerts for Cancún and Havana for Tuesday, September 24, 2024 through Wednesday, September 25, 2024; and Wednesday, October 9, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Frontier Airlines has issued a travel alert for Cancún for Tuesday, September 24, 2024 through Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
Final Boarding Call
Do not be surprised if additional airlines issue travel waivers or alerts.
Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
Photograph ©2024 by Brian Cohen.
