Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida, causing widespread destruction and power outages for millions. With reported deaths and flooding in various states, evacuations became necessary as the storm weakened into a tropical storm while moving inland. Helene is noted as the first Category 4 storm to hit the Big Bend region in over a century, and the total damage is anticipated to be significant.
Hurricane Helene made landfall as a formidable Category 4 storm in the Big Bend region of Florida on Thursday evening, leading to widespread power outages affecting millions and severe flooding as it traversed Georgia and the Carolinas. The storm struck with peak winds of 140 miles per hour, impacting approximately 10 miles west of Perry, Florida, around 11:10 p.m. Eastern Time. This marked the first Category 4 storm to impact the Big Bend area since 1851, as reported by USA TODAY. Following its landfall, the storm’s intensity diminished rapidly. By Friday morning, the National Hurricane Center classified Helene as a tropical storm with diminished winds sustained at 45 miles per hour, located approximately 30 miles southwest of Bryson City, North Carolina, and 105 miles north-northeast of Atlanta. As the storm continued its path, evacuations were mandated in Newport, Tennessee, after the Waterview Dam failed due to surge water, prompting officials in Cocke County to evacuate residents along the Pigeon and French Broad rivers. Helene’s relentless rainfall has also led to flooding in North Carolina, where anticipatory evacuations were declared in light of potential dam failures, notably the Lake Lure Dam. Hurricane Helene is recorded as the 22nd Category 4 hurricane to strike the U.S. since 1920, with only four hurricanes reaching the Category 5 status in the same timeframe. While the exact financial toll from Helene’s destruction remains undetermined, prior hurricanes have showcased that such events can result in damages amounting to billions of dollars due to flooding, infrastructural damage, and extensive power outages. The impacts of Helene are still being evaluated as assessments proceed.
Hurricanes are classified based on their sustained wind speeds, with Category 4 hurricanes capable of causing catastrophic damage, including destruction of well-built residential structures and severe flooding. Helene’s landfall in Florida represents a significant weather event, particularly as the Big Bend region had not experienced a storm of this magnitude for over a century. Historically, hurricanes can lead to extensive power outages and significant financial losses, impacting both local economies and infrastructure. Understanding the implications of hurricanes like Helene highlights the ongoing concerns of climate change and the increasing frequency of severe weather events.
In summary, Hurricane Helene has caused extensive devastation across Florida, Georgia, and beyond, with power outages impacting millions and severe flooding leading to evacuations in multiple states. Its historical significance as the first Category 4 storm to strike the Big Bend region since 1851 underscores the increasing severity of storms experienced in recent times. The financial and infrastructural repercussions will likely be profound, necessitating ongoing assessment and support for affected communities.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
