Hurricane Helene roared ashore in northwestern Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm late Thursday night, leaving destruction in its path. With sustained winds reaching 140 mph (225 kph), the massive system made landfall near the Aucilla River in Florida’s Big Bend region, prompting hurricane and flash flood warnings across much of the southeastern U.S.
Authorities reported at least three storm-related deaths as the hurricane swept through, with widespread power outages, devastating storm surges, and torrential rains affecting millions.
Landfall in Florida’s Big Bend Region
Helene made its violent landfall at approximately 11:10 p.m. Thursday, striking a sparsely populated area about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from where Hurricane Idalia caused widespread destruction just one year earlier. The National Hurricane Center warned of catastrophic storm surges and “life-threatening” winds that could leave a lasting impact across much of the southeast.
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida addressed the storm’s impact, stating, “Floridians will wake up to more damage, more loss of life, and a state deeply impacted by this powerful hurricane.”
Storm Surge Warnings and Tornado Risk
Ahead of Helene’s landfall, coastal communities were warned of potential storm surges up to 20 feet (6 meters), especially in Apalachee Bay, where officials feared the worst. Residents were urged to evacuate as the storm surge was described as “a nightmare scenario,” potentially leading to catastrophic flooding.
Helene’s power also extended inland, as tornado watches were issued throughout north and central Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Two fatalities were reported in south Georgia, where a possible tornado destroyed a mobile home.
Power Outages Affect Millions
As the hurricane advanced, millions of homes and businesses faced blackouts. According to PowerOutage.us, more than 1.2 million people were without power in Florida, with another 190,000 in Georgia and over 30,000 in the Carolinas. These outages left residents and businesses in the dark as emergency crews prepared for a long recovery.
Evacuations and Shelters
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for low-lying areas along the Gulf Coast, stretching from the Florida Panhandle down to Sarasota. Many residents heeded the call to leave, taking refuge in shelters or with friends and family outside the storm’s path. Among them was Cindy Waymon, who fled to a Tallahassee shelter with her husband. “This is the first time we’ve come to a shelter because this storm just feels different,” she said.
Despite warnings, some residents chose to stay behind. In rural Taylor County, the sheriff’s office urged those who remained to write identifying information on their arms and legs in permanent marker in case of fatalities. The advice reflected the dire risks posed by this monstrous storm.
Impact on the Southeastern U.S.
Helene’s devastation wasn’t limited to Florida. As the storm barreled inland, it began to unleash its wrath on Georgia and the Carolinas. Heavy rain pummeled southern Georgia, with winds exceeding 110 mph (177 kph) in some areas. In Valdosta, Georgia, winds picked up early Thursday, and tornadoes continued to pose a significant risk.
Flash flooding became a major concern in western North Carolina and northern Georgia, with forecasters predicting as much as 14 inches (36 centimeters) of rainfall in some areas. The deluge set the stage for potentially record-breaking flooding that could surpass anything seen in a century.
Tornadoes, Floods, and Destruction Across the South
As Helene moved inland, its path of destruction widened. Georgia was particularly hard-hit, with reports of tornadoes in several counties and extensive damage to homes and businesses. In Wheeler County, two people lost their lives when a tornado struck a mobile home, underscoring the hurricane’s deadly reach.
In the mountains of North Carolina, heavy rain led to flash flooding concerns as rivers and creeks quickly rose to dangerous levels. This region, far from the coast, is still grappling with landslides and damage from previous storms, making Helene’s impact even more severe.
A Widespread Emergency Response
Emergency declarations were issued across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas, with resources being deployed from across the U.S. Search and rescue teams were pre-positioned to help those trapped by rising waters or debris. Local, state, and federal officials worked around the clock to respond to the evolving crisis, with FEMA stepping in to assist the hardest-hit areas.
Airports across Florida, including those in Tampa, Tallahassee, and Clearwater, were shut down in anticipation of the storm, while widespread flight cancellations affected travelers across the southeast. Schools and universities also closed as Helene approached, with several districts remaining closed through the end of the week.
The Forgotten Coast at the Eye of the Storm
Florida’s Big Bend region, often referred to as the “Forgotten Coast,” bore the brunt of Helene’s force. This area, known for its natural beauty and quiet fishing villages, has largely escaped the commercial development seen elsewhere in Florida. Its marshes, tidal pools, and wildlife are now facing the fury of one of the strongest storms to hit the state in years.
Philip Tooke, a commercial fisherman in Apalachee Bay, decided to ride out the storm on his boat, despite warnings. “I’ve weathered storms before, but this one feels different,” he said. His fears echo those of many along the coast, where memories of Hurricane Michael in 2018 still linger.
Helene’s Path of Destruction: From Florida to Georgia and Beyond
Helene’s rapid inland movement left southern Georgia next in its path. The storm maintained its strength as it moved north, leaving entire towns without power and causing widespread damage. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp described it as “one of the biggest storms we’ve ever seen,” with parts of Atlanta bracing for potentially dangerous conditions.
Residents in the southern Appalachian Mountains also prepared for damaging winds and potential landslides as Helene continued its destructive journey. Tennessee was expected to be drenched with heavy rains over the coming days, with officials urging caution in flood-prone areas.
A Storm for the Record Books
Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which has already seen above-average activity due to record-warm ocean temperatures. Experts are warning that the season could still bring more intense storms as it continues into the fall.
As communities across the southeast prepare for the long recovery ahead, the true extent of Helene’s damage is still being assessed. With emergency teams mobilized and millions affected, the storm’s impact will be felt for weeks, if not months, to come.
Contributions to This Report:
Seth Borenstein in New York; Jeff Amy in Atlanta; Russ Bynum in Valdosta, Georgia; Danica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Andrea Rodríguez in Havana; Mark Stevenson and María Verza in Mexico City; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon.
Stay tuned for more updates on Hurricane Helene as the situation develops.
