A disturbance in the Caribbean Sea is expected to strengthen into a hurricane that will take aim at Florida midweek. A turn toward the northwest is expected Tuesday followed by an acceleration in speed toward the northeast on Wednesday and Thursday, the hurricane center said. A tropical storm is defined as having winds of 39 mph or higher, and a hurricane of 74 mph or higher, according to the National Weather Service. A hurricane watch has been issued for Cabo Catoche in Tulum and for Pinar del Río. A tropical storm warning is in effect in Rio Lagartos in Tulum and Cuba's Artemisa, Pinar del Río and the Isle of Youth, or Isla de la Juventud.

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Persons: Helene, it's, Ron DeSantis, Cuba's Artemisa Organizations: Grand Cayman, National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, Florida Gov, Cabo Catoche, Pinar del, la Juventud Locations: Caribbean, Florida, Grand, Mexico, Cuba, Cayman Islands, U.S, Pinar del Río, In Florida, Tallahassee, Gulfport, Tulum, Rio Lagartos, Pinar, Isle