What's happened
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm, causing severe damage and prompting widespread evacuations. With maximum winds of 130 mph, the storm threatens catastrophic storm surges and flooding across the southeastern U.S., affecting millions and leading to emergency declarations in multiple states.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Hurricane Helene has already caused significant disruptions in Florida, with one fatality reported due to a falling sign in Tampa. The National Hurricane Center has warned of potentially catastrophic storm surges, stating, 'EVERYONE along the Florida Big Bend coast is at risk of potentially catastrophic storm surge.' The Guardian highlights the urgency of evacuation orders, with officials stating, 'This is not a survivable event for those in coastal or low-lying areas.' Both sources emphasize the unprecedented nature of this storm, with Phil Klotzbach from Colorado State University noting that only three Gulf hurricanes since 1988 have been larger than Helene's predicted size. The storm's rapid intensification and the resulting emergency declarations underscore the serious threat posed to millions in its path.
How we got here
Hurricane Helene rapidly intensified over warm Gulf waters, reaching Category 4 status shortly before landfall. The storm's development is attributed to rising ocean temperatures, which have increased the frequency and intensity of hurricanes in recent years.
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