Storm presents danger shortly after making landfall

Hurricane Helene weakened to a tropical storm as it passed through Florida and Georgia, causing life-threatening storm surge, winds, and flooding rain. The storm made landfall with 140 mph winds and became a tropical storm by 5 a.m. Helene caused at least one fatality in Florida and two deaths in Georgia due to a suspected tornado. Millions were left without power in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and North Carolina, with reports of severe damage to homes, trees, and power lines. Helene’s impact prompted states of emergencies to be declared in Georgia and the Carolinas. The head of FEMA, Deanne Criswell, planned to visit affected areas to assess the damage and provide assistance. She urged residents in the path of the storm to take precautions and heed the advice of local officials for evacuation or sheltering in place. Parts of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and the Appalachians were forecasted to receive up to 20 inches of rain and experience widespread flooding. FEMA has deployed resources in advance to respond to the disaster and move quickly to provide aid to affected areas. Criswell emphasized the importance of taking the storm seriously and following guidance from local authorities to ensure safety and save lives.

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