Cuba, Mexico, and the US are on high alert as Storm Helene approaches, bringing tropical storm conditions and the potential for devastating impact. Airlines such as United, Delta, and American have issued new travel alerts in anticipation of widespread disruptions. Meanwhile, major cruise lines, including Disney and Carnival, have rerouted ships to avoid the hurricane’s path. As Helene intensifies, residents and travelers in these regions are urged to stay informed and follow local authorities’ advice.

Tropical Storm Helene has intensified into a powerful Category 3 hurricane, bringing tropical storm conditions over portions of western Cuba. The storm is now barreling toward the US Gulf Coast, where it’s expected to make landfall on Thursday. With the storm growing stronger, forecasters are warning of life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and major flooding across Florida and the southeastern US.

Cuba and Mexico Face the Initial Impacts

As Helene approaches the Gulf, western Cuba is already feeling its effects. Tropical Storm and Hurricane Warnings are in place, with tropical storm conditions occurring in the region. The storm, moving northwest, is also threatening the northeastern Mexican coast of Yucatán, passing near Cancún and Cozumel. Mexican authorities have raised red flags on beaches and advised residents to secure their properties.

Residents in Cancún rushed to get their small boats out of the water, while fishermen worked quickly to prepare ahead of the storm’s approach. NOAA reports that Helene’s maximum sustained winds have reached 80 mph (130 km/h), and the storm continues to strengthen as it moves toward the US Gulf Coast.

Florida Declares State of Emergency

With Helene gathering strength, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across nearly all of Florida’s counties. The state is preparing for potential evacuations as Helene threatens to bring more than 10 feet of storm surge to the Florida Big Bend and life-threatening conditions to northern Florida and southern Georgia.

Helene is expected to make landfall on the Gulf Coast late Thursday. Florida residents in low-lying areas are urged to evacuate and complete all necessary preparations before the storm hits.

Airport Closures in Preparation for Helene

Tampa International Airport will suspend all operations starting at 2 a.m. Thursday in anticipation of the hurricane. The airport will remain closed to the public until Friday after damage assessments are completed. In addition, other airports managed by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, such as Peter O. Knight, Tampa Executive, and Plant City Airports, will also close at the same time.

Florida travelers are encouraged to monitor flight status updates and check with airlines for potential delays or cancellations.

Travel Disruptions at Cancún International Airport Amid Hurricane Helene

59 flights have been canceled and 80 flights delayed at Cancún International Airport, with many suspecting that the approaching Hurricane Helene is the cause of the widespread disruptions. As the storm continues to strengthen, travelers are facing growing uncertainty. Airlines, including United, Delta, and American, have already issued travel alerts, and the delays and cancellations are expected to increase as the storm nears. With Cuba, Mexico, and Florida in the hurricane’s path, more travel disruptions are likely in the coming days.

Airlines Issue Travel Alerts and Fee Waivers

Major airlines have issued travel alerts, offering flexibility for passengers affected by Helene’s potential disruptions:

American Airlines has issued alerts for 16 airports across Florida, Mexico, Cuba, and Alabama, covering flights scheduled from September 24-27. Passengers can rebook flights without penalties for travel until October 4. Major hubs like Miami International, Tampa, and Orlando are likely to experience significant delays or cancellations.

Delta Air Lines has issued advisories for 11 airports across Florida, as well as airports in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Mexico, and Cuba. Travelers scheduled to fly between September 25-27 can reschedule without fees for travel by October 4.

United Airlines has alerted passengers flying through eight airports in Florida, Cuba, and Mexico for flights from September 24-27. Rebooking is available without fees for travel until October 4.

Southwest Airlines has travel alerts covering eight airports in Florida and two international destinations (Cancún and Havana). Passengers traveling between September 24-27 can rebook flights without penalties.

JetBlue Airways has issued a travel alert covering six airports in Florida, as well as airports in Georgia and South Carolina. Travelers with flights on September 26-27 can rebook with no fees.

Frontier Airlines allows passengers flying in or out of six Florida airports on September 26-27 to reschedule their flights for dates through early October.

Spirit Airlines has issued advisories for passengers flying through four Florida airports between September 25-27 and offers rebooking for travel through October 2.

Cruise Lines Shift Itineraries to Avoid Helene

Cruise lines are reacting quickly to Helene’s approach, with several already making changes to avoid the hurricane’s path:

Disney Cruise Line rerouted the Disney Fantasy, canceling its planned stop in Grand Cayman and instead heading to Falmouth, Jamaica while adding an extra day at sea.

Carnival Cruise Line has rerouted both the Carnival Paradise and Carnival Valor. Carnival Paradise skipped Cozumel and visited Costa Maya instead, while Carnival Valor remained at sea. Additional ships, including the Carnival Horizon and Carnival Breeze, are being monitored closely for more changes.

Royal Caribbean rerouted the Independence of the Seas from Cozumel to Nassau. The Wonder of the Seas made even bigger adjustments, canceling stops in Cozumel, Roatán, and Costa Maya, opting instead for St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

MSC Cruises rerouted the MSC Seascape, avoiding Grand Cayman and heading to Grand Turk and Puerto Plata instead. The MSC Seashore is returning one day later than scheduled due to the storm.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line reported that its ships have been unaffected by Helene’s current path.

A Massive Storm with a Wide Area of Impact

Hurricane Helene is poised to become one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the US in over a year. Its size alone makes it dangerous, with storm surge expected to impact a vast area of Florida’s west coast and the Florida Big Bend. Floodwaters could reach heights of over 10 feet in some areas.

Inland areas, including southern Georgia and parts of the southern Appalachians, are at risk of damaging winds and flash floods as Helene’s effects penetrate far beyond the coast. Tropical storm conditions are occurring over portions of western Cuba, with both Tropical Storm and Hurricane Warnings in effect.

Helene’s fast-moving approach leaves little time for last-minute preparations. Residents in Florida, Georgia, and other southeastern states should heed evacuation orders and secure their properties immediately. With devastating hurricane-force winds and storm surges likely, Helene is a storm that must be taken seriously.

The post Cuba, Mexico, and US Brace for Storm Helene as United, Delta, and American Airlines Issue New Travel Alerts, Disney and Carnival Cruises Reroute appeared first on Travel And Tour World.