Hurricane Helene: Category 4 Storm Churns in Pacific

Formation and Movement

Hurricane Helene formed on August 11, 2023, as a tropical depression off the coast of Mexico. It quickly strengthened into a tropical storm and was named Helene. On August 12, Helene became a hurricane. As of August 14, Helene is a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 km/h).

Helene is moving west-northwest at 12 mph (19 km/h). It is expected to turn northwest on August 15 and then north-northeast on August 16.

Potential Impacts

Helene is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge to parts of Mexico and the United States. The National Weather Service has issued hurricane watches for the coast of Mexico from Cabo Corrientes to Mazatlán.

The National Hurricane Center has issued tropical storm watches for the coast of the United States from Brownsville, Texas, to Cameron, Louisiana.

Preparations

Residents in the affected areas are urged to make preparations for Hurricane Helene. This includes securing loose objects, stocking up on food and water, and preparing an evacuation plan.