Various hurricane and tropical storm warnings in Florida have been lifted or downgraded as Hurricane Helene makes its way north across Georgia. The National Hurricane Center reclassified Helene as a tropical storm, resulting in the discontinuation of warnings along Florida’s east coast south of the Flagler-Volusia County line. The hurricane warning across the northern Florida coast has been downgraded to a tropical storm warning, and the tropical storm warning covering the Florida Gulf coast west of Indian Pass has ended. However, a storm surge warning is still in effect for Indian Pass to Bonita Beach, and Tampa Bay.
The damage caused by Hurricane Helene is extensive, with over 2 million people without power in the south-eastern U.S. Florida has 1.2 million people without power, Georgia has 683,000, and South Carolina has 242,000. Helene hit as a Category 4 storm, causing significant damage to the power infrastructure. The National Hurricane Center warns that power outages could last for weeks or even months in the affected areas.
Georgia is currently facing a “dangerous and life-threatening situation” as Hurricane Helene moves through the state. People are advised to shelter from the storm and stay away from windows. The storm is bringing winds of up to 77 mph and heavy rain as it moves rapidly inland. The impacts of the storm are expected to continue to pose a threat to residents in Georgia.
Hurricane Helene has weakened to a Category 1 storm as it moves across 12 states, posing a significant threat to many regions. Tallahassee, Florida, managed to avoid the worst of the storm as residents dodged a direct hit. NBC News reports from Tallahassee, detailing the effects of the storm on the area and highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant as the storm progresses.
As the storm moves through Georgia, the National Hurricane Center warns of the potential for life-threatening situations. The impact of the storm on the region is extensive, with widespread power outages affecting millions of people. The storm surge warning remains in effect for certain areas along the Florida coast, emphasizing the ongoing risks associated with the storm. Residents in affected areas are urged to take precautions and stay informed about the changing conditions as Hurricane Helene continues to move through the region.
