Hurricane Helene Slams Florida: A Nightmare Scenario Unfolds

Hurricane Helene made landfall in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm, causing widespread damage with powerful winds and heavy rains. Governors in several states declared emergencies, and fatalities were reported. Warnings and evacuation orders were enforced as the storm advanced into Georgia and beyond, threatening severe flooding and prolonged power outages.

Hurricane Helene made landfall on Thursday night in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm, prompting catastrophic warnings and causing significant damage across the southeastern US.

The National Hurricane Centre in Miami confirmed that Helene struck near the mouth of the Aucilla River with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. Power outages affected nearly 900,000 homes and businesses.

Helene's impact extended beyond Florida, reaching Georgia and the Carolinas with heavy rains and strong winds, causing fatalities and prompting widespread evacuation orders. Authorities continue to warn of severe flooding and power outages as the storm progresses.

(With inputs from agencies.)