Helene Weakens to Tropical Storm
Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on Florida's northwest coast as a powerful Category 4 hurricane on Thursday night, has weakened to a tropical storm early Friday morning. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Helene is moving northward with sustained winds of 59 mph, after causing significant damage in Florida. The storm, now located 102 miles from Atlanta, Georgia, continues to bring flooding and hazardous wind gusts to parts of the southeastern United States.
Initial Impact in Florida
Helene reached Category 4 status before making landfall in Florida's Big Bend area, striking with sustained winds of 140 mph and catastrophic storm surges. The powerful cyclone left behind floods, seawater intrusion, and at least one fatality when a traffic signal fell onto a vehicle in Tampa, as confirmed by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Hurricane Evolution
By September 26, Helene had become a Category 3 hurricane during its journey through the Gulf of Mexico. U.S. Air Force hurricane hunters recorded sustained winds of 121 mph as the storm approached Florida's northern coast. The NHC predicted Helene would continue to strengthen before making landfall.
Effects on Cuba and Other Areas
Before reaching Florida, Helene significantly impacted western Cuba, causing widespread damage in the provinces of Pinar del Río, Artemisa, and the Isla de la Juventud. Cuban authorities reported flooding and strong storm surges in these areas. Despite the hurricane moving away, persistent rain and winds continued to exacerbate the situation in several Cuban communities.
Preventive Measures and Preparations
In anticipation of Helene's arrival, Florida authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders in vulnerable areas and closed schools in several counties as a precaution. In Cuba, navigation in the Gulf of Batabanó was suspended, and alerts were issued in western regions ahead of the storm, according to local government sources.
Background Context
Helene formed as a tropical storm in the northwestern Caribbean on September 24 and quickly began to intensify. Meteorologists warned early on about its potential to become a major hurricane, prompting alerts and warnings in several regions, including Cuba, Florida, and Mexico. As it progressed, Helene exhibited a rapid intensification pattern, reaching Category 4 status before hitting Florida. This intensification was extensively documented by the NHC.
Helene, a name previously used for another hurricane in 2018, will be remembered for its devastating impact in 2024, stretching from the Caribbean to the southeastern United States.