Hurricane Helene hit Florida’s Big Bend region as a category four storm, causing widespread damage and evacuations. While downgraded to a category one, Helene still poses a threat to Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas with heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm has left nearly 1.3 million people in Florida without power and caused significant flooding. Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to stay indoors and avoid roadways due to dangerous conditions.
As Helene moves northwards towards Georgia, authorities warn of damaging winds and potential flooding in the region. Hurricane categories range from one to five, with category four hurricanes having sustained winds of 209-251 km/h, posing a significant threat to life and property. Conditions in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina are expected to deteriorate, with millions under tropical storm warnings and widespread power outages.
Tragically, several fatalities have been reported, including one in Florida and two in Georgia related to the storm. In North Carolina, a four-year-old girl was killed in a car crash amidst heavy rains. President Biden authorized disaster declarations for several states and urged people to take the storm seriously. The National Weather Service warned of flash floods and potential crop damage in Georgia. The story of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold as it progresses through the southeastern United States, leaving a trail of destruction and loss in its wake.
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