Key Details:
- Helene hit near Perry, Florida, around 11:10 p.m. EDT, with wind speeds reaching 140 mph.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed one death when a sign fell onto a vehicle on Interstate 4 in Tampa.
- The hurricane is expected to impact areas far inland, including parts of the southeastern U.S. and the southern Appalachian region, with strong winds and gusts.
Storm Surge Warnings:
- The Gulf Coast of Florida is facing “catastrophic and deadly” storm surges, with water levels predicted to reach 15-20 feet between Carrabelle and the Suwannee River, and 5-8 feet in Tampa Bay.
- The entire Gulf Coast, the Florida Keys, and both Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Georgia and South Carolina are under tropical storm warnings, extending as far north as Atlanta and Asheville.
Storm Surge Explained: Storm surge is a dangerous rise in water levels caused by a hurricane’s onshore winds, often exceeding normal tides. It is the leading cause of fatalities during hurricanes.
Rainfall and Flooding Risks: Helene is expected to bring 6-12 inches of rain to affected regions, with some areas seeing up to 20 inches, leading to potential flash flooding and landslides in the southern Appalachians.
Evacuation Orders: Mandatory and voluntary evacuations have been issued across numerous counties, with 22 mandatory orders as of Thursday afternoon.
Impact on Travel: Tampa International Airport has temporarily closed, and several airlines, including United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and Frontier, are offering passengers the option to change their travel plans without fees.
Critical Advice: The National Hurricane Center emphasized the urgency of storm preparations, warning residents to protect their lives and property as soon as possible.
Background: Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Despite predictions for a highly active season, it has been less intense so far. Helene follows Hurricane Francine, which made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 storm in September.
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