Hurricane Helene: Florida, Georgia begin recovery process after hitting Big Bend region

An enormous Hurricane Helene swamped parts of Mexico on Wednesday as it churned on a path forecasters said would take it to Florida as a potentially catastrophic storm with a surge that could swallow entire homes, a chilling warning that sent residents scrambling for higher ground, closed schools, and led to states of emergency throughout the Southeast.

Helene's center was about 430 miles (735 kilometers) southwest of Tampa, Florida, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said, and the hurricane was expected to intensify and accelerate as it crosses the Gulf of Mexico toward the Big Bend area of Florida’s northwestern coast. Landfall was expected sometime Thursday evening, and the hurricane center said by then it could be a major Category 4 storm with winds above 129 mph (208 kph).

Tropical storm conditions were expected in southern Florida Wednesday night, spreading northward and encompassing the rest of Florida as well as Georgia and South Carolina through Thursday night. The storm was moving north at 12 mph (19 kph) with top sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph) Wednesday evening.

Helene could create a life-threatening storm surge as high as 20 feet (6.1 meters) in parts of the Big Bend region, forecasters said. Its tropical storm-force winds extended as far as 345 miles (555 kilometers) from its center.


Author: HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and LUIS ALBERTO CRUZ (Associated Press)

[RCPC]

Glad I evacuated when I could. To anyone who stayed behind, I hope you stayed safe

[jamielancaster]

I guess the last of the few companies who provide homeowners insurance for Florida will be moving out now. Florida and Texas are causing all the other states insurance prices to go up😡

[b.emmitjones]

always hillarious to see Desantis gladly accept the federal government's help.

[bigvaxmeanie]

Reminder Ron took away your ability to sue insurance providers if they deny your claim

[cameron]

I hope DeSantis doesn't take federal government disaster relief funds, given how much he opposes the federal government and spending

[ronscott]

Project 2025 would eliminate the NOAA and National weather service

[MO.GuerillaRaven]

that hurricane was so strong it sent my trash cans flying down the street....I live in Missouri

[stev]

Ron doesn't care about the people of Florida

[Kamanchuisdabomb]

Desantis suddenly likes when government gets involved now asking for money

[ZenEndurance]

Just erase it from history books and it'll never have happened

[surfer]

Let’s see if he puts as much focus on this as he does on banning books

[billyrubin]

Big government’s good only when DeSantis needs them.

[normamacleod]

All those states flooded and disaster damage need our prayers. Also financing resources for restoration.
Please pray for states, families and businesses. This hurricane was really fierce. They need to be living in apts until they can rebuild. If they can give money at hotels with food to people crossing the border our citizens come first..then President, and Washington should stop all outside aid and help our Floridians, other States vs. BE HOMELESS.

[aland]

Why didn't he ask trump to sharpie the hurricane path map. Everyone know trumps sharpie's has the power to move hurricane paths

[christophermaly]

Upside: Ron's shoe lifts help a little in a flood.

[runswithfish]

Proving once again that God hates Florida. Help us, Dark Brandon. You're our only hope!

[Drogon_Regar]

Florida residents have had a big problem with sewage for years. All drains are almost clogged and blocked. The utility company in charge of maintaining those drains is doing absolutely nothing to fix the problem, and they get their paycheck right away. Why isn't anyone from the Florida government talking about this!??

[Havoc]

I'm surprised DeSantis didn't claim the hurricane was woke.

[AnnchristinaAlmazan]

Did he bust out his white disco boots?

[decibellx]

Maybe Trump should threaten to not give them money for not being better prepared... as he has other states.