Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area late Thursday night but rapidly weakened to a tropical storm as it moved inland. Despite the downgrade, Helene continues to pose a threat with life-threatening storm surge, strong winds, and heavy rain.
As of early Friday morning, Helene was located east of Macon, Georgia, and was moving north at 30 mph with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. The storm made landfall near Perry, Florida, with winds of 140 mph, making it the fourth hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast this year.
Read: Over 1 Million Customer Power Outages Plague Florida In Wake Of Hurricane Helene
Over 2.8 million customers across five states are without power, with Florida being the hardest hit with 1.2 million outages. Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia are also experiencing significant power disruptions.
Sadly, at least three weather-related deaths have been attributed to Helene. Two fatalities occurred in Georgia, while one person was killed in the Tampa area when a traffic sign fell on a vehicle.
Several airports closed due to the storm, and airlines canceled nearly 1,300 flights on Thursday, with further cancellations expected.
Read: Pasco Sheriff’s Office Responds To Widespread Flooding From Hurricane Helene
While Helene has weakened, it continues to bring dangerous conditions to the Southeast. Residents are urged to remain cautious and follow the guidance of local authorities.
Forecast Track and Intensity
Helene is currently moving northward but is expected to turn northwest later today and interact with a weather system to its northwest. This interaction will likely slow Helene down and cause it to make a cyclonic loop before being absorbed into the larger system. The storm is forecast to lose its convection and become post-tropical within 12 hours, eventually transitioning into an extratropical cyclone before dissipating within 72 hours.
Key Impacts
- Storm Surge: The storm surge along Florida’s Big Bend and west coast should subside today.
- Damaging Winds: Damaging wind gusts will continue inland over Georgia and the Carolinas, particularly in the southern Appalachians. Residents should be prepared for power outages.
- Flooding: Catastrophic flash and urban flooding, including landslides, are expected in the southern Appalachians. Significant flooding is also likely in parts of Florida and the Southeast, with potential for major to record-breaking river flooding.
Safety Reminders
- Use generators safely outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Stay updated on the latest forecasts and warnings.
- Be prepared for potential power outages and flooding.
Remember: Even though Helene is weakening, it still poses a significant threat with strong winds and heavy rainfall. Stay safe and follow the guidance of local authorities.
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