Tampa, September 27, 2024 (The Clarity Times) – Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday night as a formidable Category 4 storm, with sustained winds reaching 140 mph. The storm unleashed catastrophic conditions, including life-threatening storm surges and widespread flooding across the Gulf Coast.
As of Friday morning, over one million customers were reported without power in Florida due to Helene’s impact, with severe flooding observed from Fort Myers to Clearwater. Record storm surges of up to 20 feet were recorded in the Tampa area, with water levels at Cedar Key nearly nine feet above normal tide levels. Officials had issued evacuation orders and declared states of emergency in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina in anticipation of Helene’s arrival.
Current Impact and Warnings: Helene made landfall at approximately 11:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, bringing extensive damage and power outages. As the storm moves inland, it is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to parts of Georgia and the Carolinas, with flash flooding warnings in effect for north-central Georgia, including the Greater Atlanta area. The National Weather Service has cautioned residents of the Southern Appalachian region to prepare for “catastrophic” flash flooding and potential landslides.
Projected Path: Following landfall, Hurricane Helene is anticipated to shift northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley, with the potential for continued rain and flash flooding well into the weekend. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that the impacts of Helene will extend beyond the immediate coastal areas, affecting communities far inland.
Hurricane Helene’s rapid intensification and devastating landfall highlight the ongoing risks posed by extreme weather events. As recovery efforts begin, residents are advised to remain vigilant and heed warnings from local authorities regarding safety and potential flooding. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as Helene continues its path across the southeastern U.S.
