Hurricane Helene Strikes Florida as Category 4 Storm, Brings ‘Nightmare’ Storm Surge Across Southeast
Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm, threatening the southeastern U.S. with catastrophic storm surges, heavy rainfall, and destructive winds. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Helene, packing winds of 140 mph (225 kph), roared ashore near the Aucilla River in Florida’s Big Bend area around 11:10 p.m. EDT. This region, close to where Hurricane Idalia struck last year, now braces for even more widespread damage.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Declarations
As Helene plowed inland, over a million homes and businesses were left without power in Florida, with another 50,000 affected in Georgia. Flash flood warnings and hurricane alerts stretched from northern Georgia into western North Carolina. Governors across multiple southeastern states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas, declared emergencies ahead of the storm’s approach.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the storm’s deadly potential during a press conference: “When Floridians wake up tomorrow, we’re likely to face significant loss of life and property.”
Deaths Reported as Helene’s Wrath Expands
Authorities confirmed the death of one person in Florida when a sign collapsed onto their car, while two others were reported killed by a possible tornado in south Georgia. Forecasters predicted Helene’s storm surge could reach up to 20 feet (6 meters) in parts of Florida’s coast, potentially leading to catastrophic flooding. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee had warned of extreme winds, advising residents to treat the situation like a tornado warning and seek shelter immediately.
Georgia and Beyond Face Helene’s Impact
As Helene’s powerful winds expanded inland, Georgia braced for hurricane-force winds exceeding 110 mph (177 kph) in some counties. South Georgia experienced devastation as a possible tornado destroyed a mobile home, killing two people. The National Weather Service issued a dozen tornado warnings across the state as thunderstorms raked the region.
Meanwhile, North Carolina saw torrential rains that raised fears of flooding. Up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain had already fallen in the mountains, with forecasts calling for up to 14 inches (36 centimeters) before the storm passed.
Urgent Evacuations and Safety Warnings
Evacuation orders were widespread along Florida’s Gulf Coast, stretching from the Panhandle to Sarasota, Gainesville, and beyond. Many residents heeded these warnings, though some, like Philip Tooke, a commercial fisherman, chose to ride out the storm on their boats. Others gathered in shelters, fearing the storm’s aftermath more than its initial impact.
As search and rescue teams mobilized, the NHC warned of prolonged power outages, landslides in mountainous areas, and extensive flooding throughout the southeastern U.S., including Tennessee. Airports across Florida and nearby regions canceled flights, and schools and universities were closed.
Mexico and Cuba Also Hit by Helene
Before striking the U.S., Helene caused significant damage in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba. Floods ravaged Cancun, and more than 200,000 homes lost power in Cuba as the storm brushed past the island.
The Road Ahead: Helene Moves Inland
Though expected to weaken, Helene’s destructive winds and rainfall will continue to batter the southeastern U.S. as it moves inland. The storm’s impact is expected to be felt for days, with widespread power outages and flooding continuing to pose major challenges.
This is the eighth named storm of an already active Atlantic hurricane season, which experts warn could be above-average due to record-high ocean temperatures.