Since Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, the storm has already caused significant destruction and raised concerns across multiple states, including Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.
Current Impacts:
- Florida: Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region, bringing dangerous storm surges up to 18 feet in some areas. Many parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay, have seen extensive flooding, with mandatory evacuations in over 20 counties. Sarasota and Cedar Key are experiencing deteriorating conditions, including debris-filled waves. Schools and universities like the University of Tampa have closed, and airports in Tampa and St. Pete have been shut down as a precaution.
- Georgia: With Georgia under a state of emergency, inland cities such as Valdosta are already seeing businesses close in preparation. High winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding are expected, particularly as the storm continues to move inland.
- North Carolina and Tennessee: North Carolina, particularly the mountain regions, is bracing for what could be historic flooding. Up to 14 inches of rain is predicted, and the National Weather Service has warned of potential mudslides and flash floods. Asheville and other mountain towns could see flooding comparable to the devastating floods of 1916. Both North Carolina and Tennessee are expected to experience heavy rains and strong winds, with hurricane-force gusts possible in some areas.
Predictions:
- After making landfall, Helene is expected to weaken but will still bring severe weather to inland regions. Flash flooding could impact areas as far north as the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee. Power outages, downed trees, and dangerous travel conditions are likely to persist into the weekend.
Emergency responders and shelters are mobilizing across the region, but the situation remains dangerous, especially along the coasts and in flood-prone areas inland. Many officials are stressing that people need to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Social Media:
WILD: Man in Tampa, FL is broadcasting live from his living room, showing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. pic.twitter.com/0u57hnKc7U
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) September 27, 2024
#hurricanehelene in Cedar Key, #Florida. @jpetramala pic.twitter.com/OuRtsUFvhB
— WxChasing- Brandon Clement (@bclemms) September 27, 2024
Flash Flood Emergency including Asheville NC, Black Mountain NC and Swannanoa NC until 1:15 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/KS4aNiLMlO
— @NWSFlashFlood (@NWSFlashFlood) September 27, 2024
A friend of mine shared me this video of the ocean waves crashing against sliding glass doors on her first-floor condominium patio in Longboat Key, FL in the early evening hours of Thursday, September 26, 2024 from #hurricanehelene Thankfully, she’s remaining safe. pic.twitter.com/SXILLIBPKG
— Meteorologist Ryan DePhillips (@ryandephipswx) September 27, 2024
Just Sent to Me: This is a house in Venetian Isles St Petersburg… #Helene pic.twitter.com/g1SXanB8Ki
— Storm Chaser Jaden Pappenheim 🌪 (@PappenheimWx) September 27, 2024
Hurricanes #John and #Helene both nearing landfall on either side of North America 🌀🌀 pic.twitter.com/7a5I6c7mMh
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) September 27, 2024
Water beginning to come over walls off the beach in Indian Shores. Also, as the sheriff said earlier…someone is gonna “win a stupid prize…” #HurricaneHelene pic.twitter.com/jLISw266dt
— Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (@SheriffPinellas) September 26, 2024
WOW. House off Airport Road in Cedar Key, #Florida as the eyewall of #Hurricane #Helene was moving onshore.
— Kaitlin Wright (@wxkaitlin) September 27, 2024
Video by Carol Carlin pic.twitter.com/ZOeMgUXKul