Hurricane Helene is set to make landfall in Florida on September 26, 2024, with over 40 million people in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama currently under storm warnings. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Helene has reached hurricane strength, with maximum winds of 70 mph (160 kph) as it moves toward the southeastern United States.
Evacuations are underway along Florida's Gulf coast, particularly in Sarasota and Charlotte counties, with mandatory evacuations in Franklin, Wakulla, and Taylor counties. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 61 of the state's 67 counties, emphasizing the need for residents to take the storm seriously.
The storm is expected to bring life-threatening storm surges, heavy rainfall, and damaging winds. Predictions indicate a rise in sea level of up to 15 feet (4.6 meters) due to storm conditions, with certain areas anticipating as much as 15 inches (38.1 centimeters) of rain. The NHC warned of considerable flash and urban flooding.
As Helene approaches, power outages are likely across the southeastern U.S., extending from Florida's Gulf Coast into parts of Georgia and beyond. The storm is forecasted to continue its path northward, impacting areas in the southern Appalachian Mountains and the Ohio Valley, potentially causing isolated tornadoes and further flooding.
This hurricane follows a series of severe storms that have recently impacted the U.S., including Hurricane Debby in August and Hurricane Beryl in July, which both caused significant damage and loss of life.