Hurricane Helene has resulted in over 60 deaths and left 2.5 million without power across the Southeast United States. It initially made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida and continued to cause severe flooding and operational disruptions over the weekend.
Hurricane Helene has caused catastrophic impacts across the Southeast United States, resulting in at least 63 fatalities and leaving over 2.5 million customers without power as of Saturday evening. The storm, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane, has since weakened to a post-tropical cyclone. Despite this weakening, Helene continues to inflict severe flooding, especially in the southern Appalachian region. Currently, it is anticipated to linger over the Tennessee Valley during the weekend, with high wind warnings issued for sections of Tennessee and Ohio. President Biden expressed his condolences, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast.” Meanwhile, utility tracker Find Energy reported that approximately 2.68 million customers across several states including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia are experiencing power outages. The storm has claimed lives in multiple states, with 17 fatalities reported in Georgia; officials in South Carolina confirmed 23 deaths; and Florida noted 12, including those affected by fallen trees. North Carolina faced 10 fatalities, with varied circumstances contributing to each death, such as accidents on flooded roads. According to the National Weather Service, Busick, North Carolina has experienced over 30 inches of rain, while areas in Florida and Georgia reported significant rainfall. The destruction is extensive, particularly in Florida where it is believed that damage exceeded that caused by Hurricanes Idalia and Debby, which struck the same region in the preceding years. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel, exceeding 800, are currently deployed to assist with recovery efforts in affected areas. Emergency declarations have been issued for multiple states, aiming to mobilize federal resources for relief. As the storm’s aftermath unfolds, significant flooding remains an issue in communities like Newport, Tennessee, where emergency evacuations were necessary. In conclusion, Helene has profoundly impacted the Southeast, with emergency responses ongoing to manage the devastation caused by severe flooding and high winds. The recovery will be a lengthy process, with federal efforts underway to aid affected populations.
Hurricane Helene is the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which commenced on June 1. This storm intensified rapidly, making landfall with significant wind speeds and heavy rainfall. The phenomenon of unusually high sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico has been a common trait in recent tropical storms, contributing to their severity. Record-breaking oceanic warmth has drawn attention to the potential link between climate change and increased hurricane intensity, prompting extensive scientific discussion.
Hurricane Helene has resulted in tragic losses and extensive damage across multiple states, prompting federal emergency responses and local recovery efforts. The scale of devastation highlights issues related to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change, emphasizing the need for continued attention to systemic vulnerabilities in affected regions.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
