Hurricane Helene bears down on Florida

After forming in the Caribbean Sea, the catastrophic category 3 storm makes landfall. Written September 26th, 2024

By Emily Champagne

Throughout the day Thursday, Helene’s effects have been felt. Water has started to overflow in Sarasota and 100,000 homes and businesses have been left without power. These events could create nightmare-like conditions for the area, as Helene can churn up damaging 111 mph winds and an enormous 20 foot storm surge.

According to forecasters, Helene poses a threat of extreme weather, tornadoes, and mudslides. As a response, the governors of Florida, Virginia, and the Carolinas have all declared states of emergency, urging residents to be careful and stay indoors. Additionally, hurricane and flood warnings have been issued to residents throughout the East Coast.

Although Tallahassee, the capital of Florida and home to 395,000, is at risk for a direct hit, models have suggested Helene’s move further east towards the sparsely populated Big Bend area. The state of Florida though is prepared to face Helene like several other hurricanes that have impacted the area. People have been covering windows with plywood, evacuating, and schools have canceled classes. According to Anthony Godwin, a resident of the coastal town of Panacea, “It’s a part of life. You live down here, you run the risk of losing everything to a bad storm.”

While Helene will likely weaken over the next couple of days, the public is highly advised to pay attention and take precautions. Helene is forecasted to be one of the largest storms in years to hit the region.