Topline
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 storm late Thursday, knocking out power in over two million homes and businesses and causing at least six deaths in Florida and Georgia before barreling toward North Carolina and the Tennessee Valley Friday.
Key Facts
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Key Background
Hurricane Helene first made landfall at around 11:10 p.m. EDT near the city of Perry in Florida’s Big Bend area. The storm moved through Florida and Georgia so far, leaving at least six people dead, ABC News reported. At lease one person has died in Florida, one in North Carolina and four in Georgia. Millions are without power. A flash flood emergency has been issued in Atlanta, where social media video shows dramatic rescues.
What Is Storm Surge?
Storm surge is the “abnormal rise of water generated by a storm” that exceeds the normal tide, according to the National Weather Service. Surges are caused by strong onshore winds from a tropical storm or hurricane, and storm surge from tropical cyclones is the leading cause of fatalities from hurricanes, the National Hurricane Center said.
Is Helene Impacting Airlines?
The Tampa International Airport closed to the public at 2 a.m. EDT Thursday in anticipation of Hurricane Helene and “plans to resume services when it is safe to do so Friday.”
Tangent
Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and comes weeks after Francine made landfall as a Category 2 in Louisiana on Sept. 11. Forecasters this year predicted the busiest storm season (from June 1 to Nov. 30) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has ever forecasted—up to 25 named storms and 13 hurricanes—but the season hasn't been as active as predicted so far.
Further Reading
ForbesHurricane Helene: Airlines Issue Travel Alerts As Storm Heads For FloridaForbesGovernment Forecasters Issue Most Dire Hurricane Season Prediction In Their History—Here’s Why