Hurricane Helene is forecasted to bring significant and potentially deadly flooding to inland areas, according to Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center. Rhome emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that historically, 50% of lives lost in such events are due to flooding in inland regions.
The storm's impact is expected to be particularly severe in Florida's Big Bend area, where a storm surge of up to 15 feet is possible. Rhome warned that for those living in single-story homes, escaping the rising waters may be extremely challenging due to the forceful nature of the flooding.
As Hurricane Helene progresses towards Georgia, residents in the state are advised to prepare for extended periods without power. The storm's strong winds are likely to result in numerous downed trees, leading to widespread power outages in heavily forested areas.
Rhome stressed the importance of readiness, urging individuals to be self-sufficient for several days in the event of power outages. The potential impact of Hurricane Helene serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and safety measures in the face of natural disasters.
