A driver in Tampa, Florida, was tragically killed on Thursday when a sign fell onto their vehicle on I-4, marking what is likely the first death linked to Hurricane Helene. The powerful storm made landfall in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing widespread devastation as forecasters warned of life-threatening storm surges, heavy rain, and destructive winds across the southeastern U.S.
Hurricane Helene roared ashore near the mouth of the Aucilla River in Florida’s Big Bend region at approximately 11:10pm, packing winds of up to 140 mph (225 kph). This location is close to where Hurricane Idalia caused significant damage just a year ago. Florida’s Panhandle and the peninsula are now bracing for the aftermath of what officials have described as a potentially catastrophic storm.
The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane and flash flood warnings for areas stretching far beyond the coast, up into northern Georgia and western North Carolina. More than a million people across Florida and tens of thousands in Georgia were without power, as storm-related damage continued to spread. Governors of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, and Virginia have all declared states of emergency as the storm progresses.
Governor Ron DeSantis warned of the likely increase in fatalities and damage as Floridians begin to assess the storm’s impact. “When Floridians wake up tomorrow morning, we’re going to be waking up to a state where very likely there’s been the additional loss of life and certainly there’s going to be loss of property,” DeSantis said in a press briefing Thursday night.
Helene’s dangerous winds and storm surge began to affect parts of Florida long before it made landfall. Winds lashed coastal areas, including Sarasota and St. Pete Beach, where water levels rose rapidly and debris scattered across streets. In addition to Florida’s devastation, up to 14 inches of rain are expected in North Carolina, prompting fears of historic flooding.
In southern Georgia, two people were reported dead after a possible tornado struck a mobile home, bringing further tragedy as the storm’s reach extended. Georgia counties bordering Florida also experienced hurricane-force winds, and numerous tornado warnings were issued across the state throughout Thursday.
The Big Bend area, where Helene made landfall, is known for its small fishing villages and vacation homes. Many residents heeded evacuation orders, but some, like commercial fisherman Philip Tooke, chose to remain behind, sheltering on boats or in their homes, despite the catastrophic warnings.
Federal and state authorities have mobilized search-and-rescue teams in anticipation of further devastation. The National Weather Service has warned that storm surges could reach as high as 20 feet in Apalachee Bay, making the situation particularly dire.
As the hurricane continues to move inland, officials are urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders. Emergency preparedness, including stockpiling essential supplies and securing homes, remains critical for those in the storm’s path.
