Hurricane Helene, rapidly intensifying as it traversed the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, slammed into the Florida coast on Thursday, unleashing a powerful storm surge and torrential rainfall, Al Jazeera reports.
The storm, which was initially predicted to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, ultimately weakened to a Category 3 with winds of 120 mph at landfall. However, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of a “life-threatening storm surge” along Florida’s west coast, with potential surges reaching up to 6 meters (20 feet) in Apalachee Bay.
“A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast,” the NHC said.
Helene’s immense size, stretching for hundreds of kilometers, has also raised concerns. Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach noted that since 1988, only three Gulf hurricanes have been larger than Helene, including Irma (2017), Wilma (2005), and Opal (1995).
Prior to landfall, preparations were in full swing across the state. Airports in St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, and Tampa closed, while 62 hospitals and nursing homes evacuated residents. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an emergency warning for most of the state’s counties, and 18,000 electricity line workers were placed on standby for post-storm restoration efforts. The US National Guard also deployed 3,000 members to assist with the storm’s aftermath.
Federal authorities were quick to mobilize resources, positioning generators, food, and water supplies. Search-and-rescue and power restoration teams were also dispatched to affected areas. The White House emphasized the commitment to providing immediate support and assistance to those impacted by the storm.
While Florida faced the brunt of Helene’s fury, the storm wasn’t the only hurricane wreaking havoc. Hurricane John, which earlier this week caused significant damage in Mexico, killing two people and causing widespread destruction, reformed off the Pacific coast. The storm, now downgraded to a tropical depression, is expected to make another landfall in Mexico’s Guerrero state, north of Acapulco.
Helene marks the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, and the fourth to make landfall in the United States. Hurricane Francine struck the Gulf Coast of Louisiana as a Category 2 storm just two weeks ago. This year’s hurricane season coincides with an insurance crisis for homeowners in some US states, grappling with rising premiums and limited coverage in coastal areas.
