Tropical Storm Helene forms over Caribbean Sea

By Kimone Witter    

 

Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine has now developed into Tropical Storm Helene over the northwestern Caribbean Sea.

 

The large area of disturbed weather has been producing heavy showers and thunderstorms across the western Caribbean, including Jamaica.

 

The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane and storm surge watches for portions of the Florida gulf coast.

 

On the forecast track, the centre of Helene will move across the far northwestern Caribbean Sea through tonight, then move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday and Thursday, potentially reaching the Gulf coast of Florida late Thursday.

 

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 kilometres per hour with higher gusts.  

 

Additional strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to become a major hurricane by Thursday.

 

Meanwhile, the Flash Flood Watch over Jamaica will remain in effect until 5 p.m. Tuesday.

 

Observational data indicate that moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms have been affecting sections of northwestern and southern parishes over the last several hours, and will continue to affect the island throughout the period.

 

The National Works Agency says there have been few reports of blocked roads and flooding from the increased showers and high winds affecting the island since Saturday.

 

Natalie Bloomfield, Communications Officer at the NWA, said a fallen tree reduced the Greenpark to St. Ann's Bay road to single lane on Tuesday. There was also some flooding along the Bog Walk Gorge due a blocked critical drain, as well reports of fallen trees and shrubs. Ms. Bloomfield said the fallen trees and shrubs were cleared and the water has since receded. 

 

She provided the update while speaking on the Morning Agenda, on Power 106, Tuesday morning.