Hurricane Helene Weakens but Remains Dangerous as It Moves Through Southeastern U.S.
Hurricane Helene has transitioned from a Category 4 hurricane to a tropical storm as it continues its path across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida's northwest coast. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings about the potential for
catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding
landslides,
river overflows,
and damaging winds
as Helene approaches states including Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
As of now, Helene has already caused power outages affecting over two million people. The state of emergency has been extended to Virginia and Alabama, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders in several coastal areas. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency and mobilized response teams to restore power services after the storm passes.
The storm made landfall on Thursday along the Big Bend coast, which has seen several severe weather events in recent years. Although downgraded, Helene still packs maximum wind gusts of 110 kilometers per hour, raising concerns for residents in its path. Tragically, the storm has already resulted in fatalities, with one person killed in Charlotte, North Carolina, and another in Tampa, Florida, due to storm-related incidents.
In preparation for Helene, authorities had urged residents to seek shelter on higher ground, fill sandbags, and heed evacuation orders. The NHC noted that as many as 60 of Florida's 67 counties might experience winds exceeding 39 miles per hour. Residents along Florida's west coast prepared diligently for the storm, showcasing the resilience of communities accustomed to severe weather events.
Helene's impact is expected to be felt widely across the southeastern United States, marking the first hurricane of this magnitude to hit the U.S. in over a year. Governor DeSantis has mobilized the National Guard and search and rescue personnel, with health facilities evacuating vulnerable populations in anticipation of the storm's effects.
As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season progresses, scientists continue to warn that climate change may be exacerbating the intensity and frequency of hurricanes, making preparedness and response even more crucial for residents in affected areas.
