Mexico is preparing for another hurricane as Tropical Storm Helene heads towards the Yucatan Peninsula.
Helene is forecast to bring up 30cm of rain to the region on Wednesday morning local time, is expected to become a hurricane and could strengthen to category three by the time it reaches the Florida panhandle on Thursday.
Storm alerts are in place in areas including the tourist resorts of Cozumel and Florida’s west coast.
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) said: “A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning have been announced for the north of the Yucatan Peninsula. Tropical Storm Helene will affect Quintana Roo (North, centre and southwest) and Yucatan (northeast, and southwest). Local authorities have set a yellow alert in Quintana Roo (Benito Juárez, Puerto Morelos, Lázaro Cárdenas and Isla Mujeres).
“You should closely monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center.
“Please follow advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including any evacuation orders.”
It adds people should check the State Coordination of Civil Protection website, Coordinación Estatal de Protección Civil Q.Roo and the X page of the National Water Commission Conagua (@conagua_mx) for information about shelters and evacuations.
Meanwhile, Hurricane John, which hit Mexico’s southern Pacific coast on Monday has been downgraded to a tropical depression. The FCDO said: “It is moving slowly and heavy rainfall is expected in the southeast of Guerrero, specifically in the areas near the coast and mountainous regions.”
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