United States is bracing for what officials are calling a “catastrophic” event, as Hurricane Helene intensifies in the Atlantic. Predictions of the storm indicate that it will make landfall as a category 4 hurricane in Florida 's 'Big Bend', according to BBC News . Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for several areas.
Hurricane Helene had strengthened to a category 2 storm by Thursday morning and was forecasted to escalate further. Officials are warning that the storm will bring “life-threatening” conditions, including destructive winds and significant storm surges. Helene is expected to make landfall south of Tallahassee , a city that has not experienced a storm of this magnitude in recent memory.
“This forecast, if realised, is a nightmare surge scenario for Apalachee Bay,” the National Weather Service office in Tallahassee said. The storm is expected to unleash a surge of up to 20 feet above ground level in certain areas, with officials calling it “unsurvivable.”
Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Centre (NHC), stressed the urgency for residents under evacuation orders, claiming that they still have time to leave, but “conditions are going to deteriorate quickly.” Power outages , tree damage, and winds powerful enough to tear roofs off structures are expected, along with heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding.
Florida governor Ron DeSantis described Hurricane Helene as “very large,” with the potential for tropical storm conditions across much of the state. Around 14 tornado warnings were issued overnight, and DeSantis warned that more could follow.
Air travel disruptions are already underway, with both Tampa International Airport and Tallahassee International Airport closed in the wake of the storm. Search and rescue teams have been mobilised, and shelters are open for residents in affected areas.
Across the southeastern United States, the storm poses a threat of “catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding,” according to the NHC. In Georgia, public schools in Atlanta will be closed for Thursday and Friday, while similar closures are seen in South Florida, with activities at the University of Florida also cancelled.
Earlier in its path, Hurricane Helene brought heavy rains to the Yucatán Peninsula and Cancún, leading to flooding but avoiding major damage. The state’s governor reported no casualties as power was restored in affected areas.
Hurricane Helene had strengthened to a category 2 storm by Thursday morning and was forecasted to escalate further. Officials are warning that the storm will bring “life-threatening” conditions, including destructive winds and significant storm surges. Helene is expected to make landfall south of Tallahassee , a city that has not experienced a storm of this magnitude in recent memory.
“This forecast, if realised, is a nightmare surge scenario for Apalachee Bay,” the National Weather Service office in Tallahassee said. The storm is expected to unleash a surge of up to 20 feet above ground level in certain areas, with officials calling it “unsurvivable.”
Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Centre (NHC), stressed the urgency for residents under evacuation orders, claiming that they still have time to leave, but “conditions are going to deteriorate quickly.” Power outages , tree damage, and winds powerful enough to tear roofs off structures are expected, along with heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding.
Florida governor Ron DeSantis described Hurricane Helene as “very large,” with the potential for tropical storm conditions across much of the state. Around 14 tornado warnings were issued overnight, and DeSantis warned that more could follow.
Air travel disruptions are already underway, with both Tampa International Airport and Tallahassee International Airport closed in the wake of the storm. Search and rescue teams have been mobilised, and shelters are open for residents in affected areas.
Across the southeastern United States, the storm poses a threat of “catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding,” according to the NHC. In Georgia, public schools in Atlanta will be closed for Thursday and Friday, while similar closures are seen in South Florida, with activities at the University of Florida also cancelled.
Earlier in its path, Hurricane Helene brought heavy rains to the Yucatán Peninsula and Cancún, leading to flooding but avoiding major damage. The state’s governor reported no casualties as power was restored in affected areas.
You may also like
Watch: Eric Adams told 'You are a disgrace for all Black...' during press conference
2nd Test: When You Play Against India, Pitches Don't Matter, Says Shakib Al Hasan
Former Death in Paradise detective issues advice to Don Gilet ahead of his BBC debut
MP BJP to review 1st round membership drive on Sep 28
