What's happened
Hurricane Helene has rapidly intensified to a Category 3 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph at landfall. The storm's rapid growth is attributed to record warm ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico, raising concerns about flooding and storm surge impacts across Florida and neighboring states.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Axios, Hurricane Helene's rapid intensification is attributed to record warm ocean temperatures, which have made such storms more common since 2017. Andrew Freedman notes that Helene's intensification coincided with its travel over the Loop Current, a warm water current that fuels hurricanes. The New York Times highlights the role of ocean heat content as 'high-octane jet fuel' for storms, emphasizing the importance of understanding wind shear in storm development. The Independent reports on the federal response, with FEMA deploying teams to assist local emergency efforts, indicating a proactive approach to disaster management.
How we got here
Hurricane Helene formed in the Caribbean and quickly intensified as it moved over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This year's hurricane season has seen a trend of storms rapidly intensifying, largely attributed to climate change and elevated ocean temperatures.
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