On Wednesday, Hurricane Helene struck near Perry, Florida, bringing with it powerful winds and dangerous conditions. The National Hurricane Center reported that Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds reaching 140 mph and even higher gusts. This makes it the strongest hurricane on record to hit Florida's Big Bend region.
The impact of Hurricane Helene is expected to be far-reaching, with life-threatening storm surge, flooding rainfall, and destructive winds affecting areas both near and far from where the storm came ashore. As the hurricane moves inland, it is forecasted to maintain its hurricane strength as it moves into southern Georgia overnight. However, it is anticipated to gradually weaken as it continues its path northward through the state, eventually reaching Tennessee by Friday afternoon, likely as a tropical storm by then.
The aftermath of Helene's passage is likely to bring significant challenges to the Southeast region. The torrential rain and strong winds could lead to widespread power outages and flooding, particularly in areas where the ground is already saturated from previous storms. Residents are urged to stay informed about the latest updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this challenging time.