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Helene leaves Cancun behind and more than 120,000 without power

Cancun, Q.R. — Minor infrastructure damage, fallen trees and flooded streets is the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. What started as a tropical storm ended as a category 1 hurricane as Helene intensified while passing the northern tip of Quintana Roo Wednesday.

The Cancun Hotel Zone was left severely waterlogged Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Areas of Riviera Maya dealt with flooding and wind gusts since Helene approached the coast on an angle. However, areas north — Puerto Morelos to Holbox — were harder hit as Helene began to straighten out and edge toward the coast as she neared the Channel inflicting heavier rain and stronger winds on those areas.

Numerous trees were blown over leaving roads between Riviera Maya and Cancun impassable. Photo: September 25, 2024.

The city of Cancun is cleaning up mild infrastructure damage, felled trees and flooded streets due to Helene’s passing. The entire northern region was put on a Red Alert early Wednesday morning due to her close proximity to the city.

Helene was initially forecast to make her way over the Caribbean Sea half way between Cuba and Mexico, however, the storm edged closer and closer to Quintana Roo as it neared the Yucatan Channel.

Some drivers in Cancun continued to travel despite flooded roads. Photo: September 25, 2024.

According to State Civil Protection, Helene intensified into a Category 1 hurricane as it passed Quintana Roo. Its center was located very close to the northern coast of Quintana Roo with maximum sustained winds of 130 kms/h and gusts of 155 kms/h as it moved north-northwest at 17 kms/h.

A car is seen stranded here in a flooded central Cancun street. Photo: September 25, 2024.

Isla Mujeres felt the devastation with much of the tiny island being left under water. Island streets were not visible with her passing due to the strong winds and heavy rains that accompanied Helene.

Isla Mujeres with the passing of Helene Wednesday morning. Photo: September 25, 2024.

The effects of Helene began in the night with more than 120,000 people left without power. According to the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) “as of 03:06 hours on September 25, on the coast of Quintana Roo, 122,889 users were affected of which 22,807 have been restored.

Cancun Transit block off a lane due to a split overhead highway sign by Helene’s strong wind.
Photo: September 25, 2024.

“The affected users represent 14% of the one million CFE users in the state of Quintana Roo. With immediate restoration efforts, CFE has restored electricity supply to 19% of the 122,889 users affected by the passage of Helene.”

A private Cancun boat is seen here destroyed by Helene’s wind.
Photo: September 25, 2024.

The Federal Electric Commission (CFE) has reported 472 electrical workers, 72 cranes, 147 vehicles, seven emergency plants, seven lighting towers and one helicopter have been deployed to deal with the emergency.

The Cozumel ferry dock early Wednesday as Helene passed the island. Photo: September 25, 2024.

Residents on the island of Cozumel also felt the effects of Helene as strong waves slapped the ferry dock and slammed against beach areas. The Cozumel International Airport continued to operate normally, however, not reporting any flight cancellations, only delays.

Hurricane Helene’s position as of 3:05 p.m. Cancun time.

The first Aerus flight scheduled for 7:00 a.m. was delayed as were flights from Mexico City via Aeromexico and Houston via United. In Cancun, nearly 100 flights were affected either by delays or cancellations while the airport continues to operate.