US: Big update on Helen storm
US: Late on Thursday, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area, bringing with it destructive storm surges that destroyed structures.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a warning of historically high floods, with some places possibly seeing surges up to 20 feet above ground.
Driven by Helene’s strong gusts, the storm surge has swallowed whole communities, submerging and even sweeping away countless houses.
A video of the flooding in Cedar Key, which almost touches the ceiling of buildings, was shared on X by user @WeatherNation.
WATCH THIS
NEW VIDEO: The storm surge is packing a punch! Here's a view from Cedar Key where around 10 feet of surge was expected. #Helene pic.twitter.com/IfZV940bbA
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) September 27, 2024
A video of a home in Steinhatchee, Florida, washing away was shared on X by user @AaronRigsbyOSC.
Insane moments as one of many smaller homes float away in Steinhatchee, FL. Footage available for licensing. Contact me at
[email protected] #FLwx #helene @NBCNews @CBS @weatherchannel pic.twitter.com/0MTPzFlK0z
— Aaron Rigsby (@AaronRigsbyOSC) September 27, 2024
In the meanwhile, Tampa General Hospital built a huge barrier that can resist surges of up to 15 feet to safeguard the facility on a night when many people are probably going to require it.
As #HurricaneHelene continues, the AquaFence at TGH stands firm. The water-impermeable barrier is designed to withstand storm surge up to 15 feet. It has worked through multiple rain events to prevent storm waters from impacting hospital operations. #WeAreTGH #StormWatch pic.twitter.com/papsd6oPg2
— Tampa General Hospital (@TGHCares) September 27, 2024
Governor Ron DeSantis said at a news conference on Thursday night that one individual had already passed away.
“When Floridians wake up tomorrow morning, we’re going to be waking up to a state where very likely there’s been additional loss of life, and certainly there’s going to be loss of property,” DeSantis said late on Thursday. “individuals will be losing their houses as a result of this storm; please keep those individuals in your thoughts. Remember them in your prayers.
In the Tampa Bay region, the unrelenting storm has already broken storm surge records, submerging houses and forcing thousands of people to flee.
One of the worst-hit areas, Clearwater, saw water levels soar to a record 8.6 feet, surpassing the previous high of 6.8 feet. In the same way, levels in East Bay surpassed the previous record of 6.7 feet, peaking at 7.3 feet.
Devastating surges up to six feet have also been recorded in other locations, including St. Petersburg and Port Manatee. As the storm continues its destructive course, flooding is predicted to become worse.
With winds as strong as a hurricane, Helene made landfall in northern Florida and southern Georgia. Her sustained winds reached 140 mph.
The NHC issued a warning, stating that these severe winds will hit a significant section of the Southeast, including the southern Appalachians, as they continued to move inland during the night.
Widespread power disruptions are anticipated, and in some places these may last for many days or longer.
To prevent lethal carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities are advising households to be ready for prolonged periods without power and to use generators very carefully.
Catastrophic flooding is not exclusive to Florida.
Significant urban flooding and flash floods are predicted in several areas of Georgia, the Carolinas, and the southern Appalachians.
An additional risk to the higher Appalachian heights is landslides caused by heavy rains. Widespread river flooding is forecast to occur across the Southeast, according to the NHC, with several rivers projected to reach significant flood levels by Friday.
