Hurricane Helene Devastates Florida: Massive Flooding and Damage Reported

Hurricane Helene struck Florida's Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 storm, bringing catastrophic flooding, widespread damage, and one confirmed fatality. Sustained winds reached 130 mph, causing severe weather across multiple states. Evacuations were ordered, and officials warned residents who stayed behind to prepare for life-threatening conditions.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region late Thursday as one of the most powerful storms to hit the state, raising fears of deaths, widespread damage, and even worse floods than the severe deluge which had preceded its arrival. Helene hit Florida packing sustained winds of around 130 mph (209 kph), the National Hurricane Center said, making it a powerful Category 4 storm. Before landfall, the storm had already flooded the Gulf Coast and knocked out power for at least 1 million residents.

Officials pleaded with residents in the storm's path to heed mandatory evacuation orders or face life-threatening conditions. Helene's surge, described as a "really unsurvivable scenario" by NHC Director Michael Brennan, could rise as high as 20 feet in some areas, causing unprecedented destruction. The storm bands have already impacted several states, with heavy rainfall reaching as far as Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reported one fatality caused by the storm, while numerous counties ordered evacuations, though some residents chose to stay. Airports in Tampa, Tallahassee, and St. Petersburg suspended operations. The storm's impact could be severe, with losses estimated between $3 billion to $6 billion. FEMA Director Deanne Criswell is set to assess the damage on Friday.

(With inputs from agencies.)