Cancun Weather Alert Issued As Tropical Storm Helen Approaches

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Last Updated 3 days ago

Authorities have issued a fresh weather alert for Cancun and northern Quintana Roo as tropical storm Helen approaches the region on Wednesday. 

Although the storm system is not currently classified as a hurricane, meteorologists say it is likely to intensify over the coming days, causing heavy rain, wind, and even flooding along its trajectory. 

In Cancun, preparations are underway to protect residents & travelers from the effects of the storm system, with officials stepping up safety campaigns on social media and on the streets. 

Over the coming days, travelers should brace themselves for bad weather & interruptions to services like ferries, boat tours, and beach closures.

 As Cancun heads into the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, here’s what travelers should know about the latest weather warning.

Officials Issue Yellow Alert For Northern Mexican Caribbean Hotspots Including Cancun 

Four Mexican Caribbean municipalities – including Cancun and Isla Mujeres – have been issued a Yellow Warning as civil protection workers begin preparing for the effects of the fast-approaching tropical storm Helene. 

As of Tuesday evening, the tropical storm is heading on a northern trajectory toward the Gulf of Mexico, some 295 kilometers southeast of Cozumel, a tropical island near Cancun. 

Although not posing an imminent danger to Cancun and other nearby hotspots, meteorologists are warning travelers and residents to take precautions over the coming days as the storm passes by the region, bringing heavy rain and potentially dangerous winds. 

On Tuesday, Quintana Roo’s state governor Mara Lezama took to social media to warn citizens about the approaching storm, urging caution. 

Meteorologists from Mexico’s weather agency are warning of up to 150 to 250 millimetres of precipitation as well as gusts of up to 70 kilometers per hour, potentially causing damage to buildings and swaying large branches. 

Travelers are also being told to brace for waves of up to three meters in height, causing risky conditions for swimmers. As a result, visitors should expect to see red and black flag warnings on Cancun beaches over the coming days and should opt for indoor activities instead.

Boat tours in vessels of below 40 feet in length are currently canceled, with some ferry operators also limiting services on their Cancun to Isla Mujeres routes.

Follow These Weather Warnings If Traveling To Cancun

Cancun travelers should familiairze themselves with the region’s color-coded hurricane warning system, which gives a real time indication of the risk level associated with tropical storms. 

A red alert, the highest on the scale, is issued when a hurricane is likely to make landfall, and often follows mass evacuations.

Meanwhile, an orange alert warns travelers to take shelter indoors and to follow further instructions given by officials. 

For now, Cancun remains under a yellow alert, meaning travelers should carefully follow weather updates and avoid risky activities like swimming or spending time near large bodies of water.

Travelers can follow the latest weather updates on Mexico’s National Meteorological Service and consult their resort’s hurricane safety protocols. 

Even if tropical storm Helene were to become a powerful hurricane, Cancun is rarely directly impacted by such weather events. Nevertheless, weather reports by the NOAA suggest the peak period of the 2024 hurricane season could still see significant weather events, so travelers should keep an eye on the latest forecasts and updates. 

While Cancun is bracing for the worst effects of tropical storm Helene, other hotspots in the Mexican Caribbean are on Blue Alert, the lowest warning level, and are not expected to be as affected by heavy rain or wind.

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