Affected Locations: United States
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on 26 September as a Category Four storm (wind speeds of 130-156 mph) causing widespread flooding and disruptions. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 140 mph and was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Big Bend region. It was later downgraded to a Category One hurricane (wind speeds of 74-95 mph) as wind speeds decreased to 90 mph. Helene also caused disruptions in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, and Cuba on 25 September before impacting Florida. Emergency has been declared in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, and Alabama.
Source: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Helene
Intensification of hurricanes due to climate change
Helene is the eighth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season (June to November). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year due to high ocean temperatures. Hurricane Helene gained strength over the Gulf of Mexico, which has recorded unprecedentedly high temperatures in recent years.
Impact of the hurricane
- Flash flood warnings have been issued in Florida, extending into northern Georgia and western North Carolina. The National Weather Service recorded over 70 flash flooding reports on 26 September from Georgia to Virginia.
- Strong storm surge flooding was recorded in parts of the Tampa Bay area, along with flooding across Florida’s coast. The storm also caused heavy rainfall in parts of Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
- Mandatory evacuation orders were issued across Florida’s Panhandle, as well as in low-lying areas of Tallahassee, Gainesville, Cedar Key, Lake City, Tampa, and Sarasota.
- Tornado watches have been issued in parts of Florida and the Carolinas. Two people died in Alamo, Georgia, due to a tornado associated with Hurricane Helene on 26 September.
- One person was killed when a sign struck a car on Interstate 04 near Ybor City on 26 September. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to remain indoors over concern of additional fatalities due to the storm’s intensity.
- The storm left more than one million homes and businesses without power in Florida and more than 50,000 in Georgia.
- Airports in Tampa, Tallahassee, and Clearwater were closed on 26 September. Multiple flight cancellations and delays were reported across Florida.
Weather forecast and potential disruptions
Hurricane Helene is expected to move over central and northern Georgia before turning towards the Tennessee Valley. The storm is forecast to weaken; however, its fast forward speed is likely to cause strong, damaging winds, heavy rainfall, landslides, and flash flooding as far as the Appalachian Mountains. Infrastructural damage to utility lines may result in power outages. Transport disruptions are expected due to flooding, strong winds, and blocked roads. Further flight disruptions are expected due to adverse weather conditions, including cancellations and delays at airports in the affected regions. Organizations are advised to stay updated on the situation and follow advisories and evacuation orders issued by authorities. Alerts and updates regarding the storm can be found on the official website of the National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/).
