Florida is bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm that is expected to bring fierce winds and a life-threatening storm surge to the state. As of Thursday morning, the storm had grown into a category 2 hurricane and is expected to make landfall on Florida’s Big Bend later in the evening.
Power Outages, Tree Damage, and Flash Flooding Expected
Power outages, tree damage, and powerful winds that could tear roofs off of structures are expected, according to officials. Significant rainfall of up to 18 inches is also forecast, which could bring flash flooding in some areas. The storm has been described as “catastrophic” and “unsurvivable” by officials, who warned that it will bring with it a storm surge of up to 20 ft above ground level in some areas of the Big Bend.
Mandatory Evacuation Orders Issued
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for several counties in Florida, with officials urging residents to leave as soon as possible. The storm is forecast to travel quickly towards the state, and conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly.
Tallahassee in the Path of the Storm
Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city of 200,000 residents, could be significantly affected if the hurricane makes landfall directly on the city. The city has not had a major hurricane hit in quite some time, and nobody in recent memory has seen a storm of this magnitude hit.
Search and Rescue Teams Mobilized
Search and rescue teams have been mobilized should they be needed, and shelters have been opened for residents in affected areas. All across the south-eastern US, the storm could trigger “catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding”.
Schools Closed and Events Cancelled
Schools in South Florida have been closed, and student activities and classes have been cancelled at the University of Florida. The hurricane also affected the race for the White House, with the Republican candidate for vice-president, JD Vance, cancelling two events in Georgia that were planned for Thursday.
Storm Surge Warning Issued
A storm surge warning, meaning there is danger of life-threatening inundation in the next 36 hours, is in place for almost the entirety of Florida’s west coast from Indian Pass, south-east of Panama City, down to Flamingo in the Everglades National Park on the tip of the peninsular.
Tornadoes Expected
Tornadoes are also expected, with 12 million people under risk for tornadoes Thursday from central Florida to central South Carolina. The tornado threat will be maximized across the Georgia coast.
Florida Braces for Impact
Florida is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Helene, with officials warning of a potentially catastrophic storm surge and fierce winds. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions and to follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety.
Hurricane Helene’s Path
Hurricane Helene’s path is expected to take it north of Mexico and heading north towards the US. It is due to become a category four hurricane at 19:00 local time on Thursday before making landfall in northern Florida shortly afterwards.
Around 14 Tornado Warnings Issued
Around 14 tornado warnings were issued overnight on Wednesday, and DeSantis warned that more were likely in the coming day.
Tampa International Airport and Tallahassee International Airport Closed
Tampa International Airport and Tallahassee International Airport were both closed on Thursday in anticipation of the storm.
Georgia Prepares for Impact
Georgia is also preparing for the impact of Hurricane Helene, with all public schools in Atlanta closing on Thursday and Friday because of the storm.
Mexico Spared Major Damage
Earlier on its path, Hurricane Helene had passed Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula and the tourist resorts of Cancún. Those regions were spared major damage, but the storm still brought strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Hurricane Helene’s Impact on the Environment
The storm is expected to have a significant impact on the environment, with storm surges and flooding expected to damage coastal ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The storm is also expected to disrupt the state’s agricultural industry, with crops and livestock at risk from the strong winds and flooding.
Conclusion
Hurricane Helene is a powerful storm that is expected to bring significant damage and disruption to Florida. With mandatory evacuation orders in place and search and rescue teams mobilized, officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. As the storm approaches, Florida is bracing for impact, and the nation is watching with bated breath.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
In the coming days, residents can expect the storm to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. The storm is expected to make landfall in northern Florida on Thursday evening, and conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly.
How to Stay Safe
Residents are urged to