Hurricane Helene Leaves Trail of Destruction in Florida and Heads Towards Mexico
Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across Florida, leaving at least five fatalities in its wake as it made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane. The storm, which struck the west coast of Florida late Thursday, brought extreme rain, destructive winds, and storm surges that submerged homes and caused widespread power outages. As of Friday morning, approximately three million residents were without electricity, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Deanne Criswell, head of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), warned that although the storm has passed in some areas, the danger is not over. She cautioned about potential landslides and tornadoes, emphasizing that catastrophic flash floods and flooding in cities are still possible. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for several states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, predicting life-threatening conditions.
The storm's destructive path has already claimed lives, with reports indicating two deaths in Florida, two in Georgia due to a tornado, and a tragic incident in North Carolina where a four-year-old died in a rain-related traffic accident. The damage is reminiscent of Hurricane Ian, which devastated Florida two years ago, and meteorologists are describing the situation as a 'nightmare scenario' for low-lying areas.
Hurricane Helene Intensifies as It Approaches Mexico
As Hurricane Helene continues its journey, it has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane and is now threatening the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings about life-threatening storm surges, damaging winds, and torrential rains expected to hit the region soon. In response, the State of Quintana Roo has declared a red alert for several municipalities, including Benito Juárez, Isla Mujeres, and Cozumel, where the storm is anticipated to make landfall shortly.
Civil protection authorities are on high alert following the recent impact of Hurricane John on the Mexican Pacific coast. The latest reports indicate that Helene is located just 65 km east of Cancun, with maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h and gusts reaching up to 140 km/h. The storm is likely to bring torrential rains, with expected accumulations between 150 and 250 mm, along with dangerous waves of 3 to 5 meters high along the coast.
Local authorities are urging residents to stay informed and adhere to safety recommendations as the storm approaches, highlighting the importance of preparedness during this hurricane season.
