Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region on Thursday night, causing 13 deaths in the state and leaving over a million homes without power. The storm weakens to a tropical storm and moves north, while federal and state authorities coordinate emergency responses and rescue efforts for affected communities.
Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s Big Bend region as a formidable Category 4 storm on Thursday night, subsequently diminishing to a tropical storm as it progressed over the southeastern United States on Friday. By the afternoon of that day, the National Hurricane Center confirmed in its final advisory that Helene no longer qualified as a tropical system and had dissipated, leaving behind its remnants that moved to Kentucky. The storm has been linked to at least 105 fatalities, of which 13 occurred in Florida, including 10 in Pinellas County, 2 in Hillsborough County, and 1 in Dixie County. Helene made landfall approximately 10 miles west of Perry, Florida, at 11:10 p.m. EDT. The severe winds associated with the storm led to power outages affecting more than 1 million homes and businesses across Florida, while millions more faced similar circumstances in Georgia, Virginia, and the Carolinas. Emergency declarations were issued by the governors of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, and Virginia in response to the storm’s destruction. By Thursday afternoon, coastal watches and warnings were rescinded. Despite making landfall in a relatively undensely populated area, the impact was felt miles away due to significant flooding, including as far north as North Carolina. Reports from social media displayed intense rainfall and structural damage in Perry. Governor Ron DeSantis remarked that the devastation from Helene appears to surpass that from hurricanes Idalia and Debby in the same region last year, expressing that this situation is “demoralizing.” President Joe Biden extended prayers for the survivors, while the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mobilized over 1,500 personnel to assist with rescue efforts, performing around 400 rescues by late Friday morning. Authorities emphasized that individuals trapped in floodwaters should not attempt to cross these dangerous conditions themselves. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission deployed boat teams for search and rescue missions in the most affected counties, emphasizing safety precautions as they navigated through debris. In anticipation of further challenges, Governor DeSantis enacted a state of emergency for 61 out of 67 Florida counties. President Biden sanctioned a federal disaster declaration, which allows for coordinated governmental assistance in recovery efforts. Federal resources, including generators, food, and water, have been strategically positioned to support local authorities in addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Helene was a powerful storm that significantly impacted Florida, particularly the Big Bend area, when it made landfall. The storm’s intensity was felt through winds and flooding, resulting in widespread power outages and substantial damage. The response involved multiple levels of government coordinating emergency support and rescue operations to protect and assist affected individuals.
In conclusion, Hurricane Helene made a significant impact on Florida upon its landfall, resulting in fatalities, widespread power outages, and severe damage. The coordinated response from federal and state officials highlights the serious nature of the storm and the ongoing efforts to aid recovery. The situation remains critical as authorities work to assist those affected and restore normalcy to the impacted regions.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
