Hurricane Helene has left a path of destruction in the southeastern United States, affecting Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. As the storm made landfall, communities were hit hard by high winds, storm surges and widespread power outages.
Where did Hurricane Helen make landfall?
Hurricane Helen hit Perry, Florida, a small coastal town in the Big Bend area. The storm also affected nearby areas such as Steinhatchee, Cedar Key, and Horseshoe Beach, where storm surge flooded homes and businesses. Many coastal communities experienced severe flooding, particularly around Tampa Bay, Clearwater Beach, and the Crystal River.
Damage from Hurricane Helen
Thousands of people are without power in Florida and Georgia as a result of Hurricane Helene. Power outages were widespread, and utility companies such as Georgia Power and Duke Energy are working to restore power. Their outage maps show the extent of the damage, with major outages reported in Tallahassee, Valdosta, and Jacksonville. You can check real-time updates on power outages with the Duke Energy Outage Map and the Georgia Power Outage Map.
In addition to power outages, the storm’s winds, which reached Category 4 hurricane levels, caused significant structural damage. Coastal cities such as St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and even inland such as Gainesville and Ocala reported wind damage to homes and businesses, downed trees, and street flooding.
Death toll from Hurricane Helen
Unfortunately, Hurricane Helene has claimed lives as it moves across Florida, Georgia and beyond. The death toll is yet to be officially confirmed as search and rescue efforts continue, but initial reports point to drowning. Accidents related to fallen trees, and storm surges. In Florida, particularly in areas such as Perry and Stanhatchee, storm surge posed a significant threat to residents who were far from safety.
Effects on major cities
- Tallahassee: The state capital was hit hard by power outages, with reports of downed power lines and flooding. Coastal areas have been severely damaged by the storm and many residents have been evacuated to safer places.
- Atlanta: Although inland, Atlanta experienced heavy rains and flash flooding as Hurricane Helene moved north. There are reports of power outages across the city affecting thousands of homes.
- Savannah, Georgia: Savannah was also in the storm’s path, as high winds and flooding disrupted life in the coastal city. Georgia’s storm tracker and power outage maps have been key tools for residents seeking safety information.
Storm surge and floods
Storm surge caused significant damage along the Gulf Coast, particularly in the Tampa Bay and Big Bend areas. A storm surge map for Tampa Bay shows how high water levels rose, flooding neighborhoods and prompting evacuations in areas like Clearwater and Siesta Key. As a Category 4 hurricane, Helene brought storm surge levels that surpassed many past storms in the region.
What’s next?
As the southeastern United States recovers from Hurricane Helene, emergency services are still assessing the full extent of the damage. Power restoration efforts are underway, with companies such as JEA in Jacksonville and TECO in Tampa working to restore power to affected areas. Residents can expect ongoing disruptions due to downed power lines, flooded streets and blocked roads.
For live updates, check local news channels, live hurricane coverage cams, and the National Hurricane Center’s Hurricane Tracker. Cities like Tallahassee, Savannah, and Panama City Beach will continue to deal with the aftermath in the coming days. Stay safe, follow evacuation orders, and monitor weather updates as conditions can still change.
Hurricane Helene has left a significant mark on the southeastern United States, particularly Florida and Georgia. With widespread power outages, storm damage, and mounting deaths, recovery efforts will take time. Be sure to check your local power outage maps, follow live updates, and stay tuned as cleanup and restoration efforts continue.
Inspired by tallahassee news and read ore Article Here