Hurricane Helen makes landfall / Helen devastates South / Helen Storm Impact / Newslooks / Crawfordville / Florida / J Mansour / Morning News / Hurricane Helen makes landfall in northwest Florida as a Category 4 storm, causing widespread damage in the southeastern United States , floods and power outages. At least three deaths from the storm were reported as it weakened to a tropical storm in Georgia. More than 20,000 people remain without power as authorities continue to rescue people trapped by floods.
Streets are flooded after Hurricane Helene, Thursday, March 26, 2024, in Madeira Beach, Florida. (Max Chesnes/Tampa Bay Times, photo courtesy AP)
Helen’s Southern Influence: A Quick Fact
- Level 4 login: Hurricane Helene made landfall near the Oceola River in Florida with 140 mph winds, causing major damage.
- Widespread power outage: More than 30,000 homes are without power in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
- Floods and rescue: Floods trapped many residents and required emergency rescue.
- death toll: At least four people have died from storm-related incidents, including a tornado in Georgia.
- storm path: Helen weakened to a tropical storm over Georgia and was expected to bring heavy rains and potential mudslides to the Appalachian Mountains.
Hurricane Helene weakens after making landfall as Category 4 hurricane, causing damage
deep eyes
Hurricane Helene, one of the most powerful storms of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, struck northwest Florida late Thursday, unleashing catastrophic winds, heavy rains and deadly storm surges. When this storm makes landfall Category 4 hurricanehit the southeastern United States, causing millions of households to lose power and entire communities to be flooded.
Destructive landfall in Florida
Hurricane Helen roared ashore near the entrance. On Thursday, winds reached 140 mph (225 km/h)According to the National Hurricane Center. The area, a peaceful region known for its fishing villages and natural beauty, was nearly completely devastated by strong winds and storm surges that destroyed homes, overturned buildings and flooded roads.
The intensity of the storm was described as “nightmareOfficials said communities close to where the storm made landfall, such as Perry, Florida, were particularly hard hit. Social media videos showed exterior walls of buildings blown down and entire homes flipped over by the wind. taylor countyPerry’s area suffered widespread power outages, making it difficult for disaster relief crews to access the worst-hit areas.
In citrus countyFurther south, rescue operations began early Friday morning, with the first rescuers using boats to evacuate residents trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters. The local Sheriff’s Office issued an emergency warning urging people not to wade in the water because the water could be contaminated by live power lines, sewage and sharp debris.
Millions in Southeast without power
storm caused 30,000 households and businesses Across Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. As of early Friday morning, 1.2 Crore florida houses, 900,000 In Georgia, 927,000 It was dark across North and South Carolina. The outage is so widespread that many areas are expected to be without power for days or even longer.
The scale of the outage rivaled the devastation caused when Hurricane Idalia hit the same area a year ago. for Valdosta, GeorgiaThe eye of Helen passed through Thursday night, the third storm in just over a year, following Tropical Storm Idalia and Tropical Storm Debbie. The hurricane ravaged the city, damaging homes and businesses and sending many people in the region sheltering in shelters or in dark hotel lobbies.
Rescue operations and casualties
As the effects of the storm unfolded, emergency crews began working to save lives. In addition to floods and storms, tornado The demon born of Helen caused death. south georgiaa suspected tornado struck leaving two people dead, while in , a falling tree claimed the life of another victim. In Florida, at the height of the storm, one person died when a street sign collapsed and hit a car.
manager Ron DeSantis Florida’s governor warned that more deaths and widespread destruction are possible as the state begins to assess the full extent of the damage. “When Floridians wake up tomorrow morning, we’re going to see a state that will likely see more loss of life and more damage to property,” DeSantis said during a late-night briefing.
Helen’s Journey: From Florida to the Appalachians
After making landfall in Florida, Helen quickly moved inland and weakened to a tropical storm as it entered Georgia early Friday morning. The storm’s maximum sustained wind speed is 70 miles per hour (110 km/h),lie in Macon, Georgiaand continue moving north 30mph.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center reports that the storm will gradually weaken and head towards tennessee and kentucky But warnings say continued heavy rain could cause flash flood and mudslide ,exist Appalachian Mountains. Forecasting requirements Up to 14 inches (36 cm) In some areas, especially mountainous areas, rainfall North Carolina and tennesseeflood warnings remain in effect.
Emergency response and warnings
States in the southeastern United States have entered a state of emergency. , alabama, virginia,and carolina In response to the ravages of Hurricane Helen, countries have declared a state of emergency. Evacuations were ordered and curfews were imposed in many areas to protect residents and rescue workers from the dangers of downed trees, broken power poles and flooded roads.
governor of georgia Brian Kemp Calling Helen “one of the biggest storms we’ve ever experienced” and urging residents to stay indoors and off the roads, rescue teams are working to help those in need. State parks were open to evacuees throughout the night, and shelters were filled with displaced families, some with pets and even horses.
historic storm
Helen’s influence extends far beyond the United States. Storms devastate parts of U.S. Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico Flooded resort city earlier this week cancun Trees in the area were flooded and trees fell. cubamore than 200,000 homes were without power as the hurricane passed over the island, adding to the already severe devastation in the Caribbean.
This is The eighth storm During the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, meteorologists pointed to record-high ocean temperatures as a key factor in Hurricane Helene’s rapid intensification. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) The weather service had previously predicted an above-average hurricane season this year, and Helen’s unprecedented intensity and size appeared to confirm those warnings.
As the storm continues to move north, residents along its path are bracing for more flooding, mudslides and damage. Over 1,300 miles Hurricane Helen caused extensive damage and will likely become one of the most destructive storms to hit the Southeastern United States in recent years.
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