Hurricane Helene brings record storm surge as it slams into Florida

ABC News4 minutes read

Hurricane Helen brought record storm surge and catastrophic winds, resulting in historic flooding, five deaths, and massive power outages affecting over 3 million customers in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, with rescuers emphasizing the life-threatening flash flood emergency as the most critical concern during the storm's aftermath.

Insights

  • Hurricane Helen, the strongest storm in Florida's Big Bend region, brought catastrophic winds of up to 140 mph and a record storm surge of 5 to 7 feet, leading to historic flooding and at least five deaths across three states.
  • The storm's impact extended far beyond Florida, causing flash flood emergencies in Atlanta, Georgia, and North Carolina, with widespread power outages affecting over 3 million customers, highlighting the extensive reach and devastation caused by Hurricane Helen.

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Recent questions

  • What is Hurricane Helen's impact on Florida?

    Devastating storm surge, winds, and flooding.

  • How far did Hurricane Helen's winds extend?

    Up to 310 miles from the center.

  • How many deaths were caused by Hurricane Helen?

    At least five deaths across three states.

  • What was the most critical concern during Hurricane Helen's aftermath?

    Life-threatening flash flood emergency.

  • How many customers were affected by power outages due to Hurricane Helen?

    Over 3 million customers in three states.

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Summary

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Deadly Hurricane Helen Devastates Southeastern United States

  • Hurricane Helen is the strongest storm to hit Florida's Big Bend region, bringing record storm surge of 5 to 7 feet and catastrophic sustained winds of up to 140 mph, resulting in historic flooding and at least five deaths across Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
  • The storm caused flash flood emergencies in Atlanta, Georgia, and up through North Carolina, with tropical storm force winds extending up to 310 miles from the center, leading to massive power outages affecting over 3 million customers in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
  • Rescuers are battling the storm's impact, with homes swept away, houses floating off their foundations, and emergency responders saving individuals from flooded areas, emphasizing the life-threatening flash flood emergency as the most critical concern during the storm's aftermath.
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