Aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Florida

Hurricane Helene weakened to a tropical storm over Georgia with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph) early Friday, the National Hurricane Center said.

Helene continues to weaken while moving farther inland over Georgia. The storm was about 40 miles (65 kilometers) east of Macon and about 100 miles (165 kilometers) southeast of Atlanta, moving north at 30 mph (48 kph) at 5 a.m., the center in Miami reported.

The storm made landfall in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm as forecasters warned the enormous system could create a “nightmare” storm surge and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern U.S. There were at least three storm-related deaths.

The hurricane center said Helene roared ashore around 11:10 p.m. Thursday near the mouth of the Aucilla River in the Big Bend area of Florida’s Gulf Coast. It had maximum sustained winds estimated at 140 mph (225 kph). That location was only about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of where Hurricane Idalia came ashore last year at nearly the same ferocity and caused widespread damage.

The hurricane’s eye passed near Valdosta, Georgia, as the storm churned rapidly north into Georgia Thursday night. The National Hurricane Center issued an extreme wind warning for the area, meaning possible hurricane-force winds exceeding 115 mph (185 kph).

At a hotel in the city of 55,000 near the Florida line, dozens of people huddled in the darkened lobby after midnight Friday as winds whistled and howled outside. Electricity was out, with hall emergency lights, flashlights and cellphones providing the only illumination. Water dripped from light fixtures in the lobby dining area and roof debris fell to the ground outside.

[shwicksdad]

I lived in Florida for 30 years. Lived in North Miami Beach when Andrew hit in 1992. Worst part is no power. Once the storm is passed, the heat and humidity come right back. You can't even run an electric fan. It's absolutely miserable.

[kimberlybennett]

It did not make landfall it Tallahassee. It was 10 miles south of Perry.

[LoveLifeCompletely]

In JESUS’ mighty name, we come before You, LORD, lifting up all those affected by the hurricane. We ask for Your protection over each person, for Your peace to guard their hearts, and for Your comfort to surround them. Strengthen the weary, guide the helpers, and let Your presence be a refuge in this storm. In JESUS’ name we pray, amen.

[AaronParker-uo]

Cat 5 hit Panama City, Florida in 2018. Really?!?

[maxanderson]

Weather channel makes everything much much more than it typically is. Stated 6 foot flooding in a specific area yet never any follow up to show the results of their predictions. Just report the facts and no hype please.

[crazytrain]

People are ridiculous anymore. It was the largest "named" storm to hit the panhandle. The storm of the century in 1993 took many many more lives....but wasnt named

[aw]

like nothing happened? the calm after the storm, no wind + water logged everything + sunshine = stifling humidity 🥵

[johnteal]

Clickbait old videos and before daylight bs

[thewatchmen]

The storm has passed and now it's time for floriads to get back and enjoy the beautiful ☀️🌞🌝🏖️🏝️. Happy day are here again 🎉

[jamestaylor]

Made landfall in Perry not Tallahassee. Get the facts right

[MadSUPANOVA]

Dark sarcasm 😅 Insurance companies about to deny all obvious claims. 😅Your home was NOT damaged by winds' . They will say it was by a hurricane 😅We don't pay for wind damage. 😅News hurricane wing gust' of 140mph😅. Insurance: We do not cover flooding. It was caused by a hurricane 😅 News: Hurricane will cause 20ft of water and flood region😅. Hahaha

[kodywalker]

Stop saying it’s the largest in a century in the Gulf. It’s a massively serious storm but you’re lying and making people more tense. Katrina was a Cat 5.

[uptempotransport]

I dont understand how they always say 15-20 feet of surge. Yet i never see footage of it

[crazyscott]

All those that stayed and had to be rescued should be charged with a felony! For putting the rescuers in harms way!

[TheHasseeman]

I’m in Tallahassee and it really wasn’t that bad here. I barely lost power for 8 hours and it was overnight so I didn’t really notice

[lorrainesanabria]

It doesn’t matter where this mega storm made landfall what it matters is the destruction that it has caused and the fatalities. Let’s focus on what mother nature is telling us. We are not in charge a higher being is. Praying for all the people affected and for all of the first responders and reporters who haven’t gotten any sleep to keep us informed and safe.

[carlosbarahona]

I love trees they provide shade and clean the air. They should pass a law to keep them away from power lines on both states. Loosing trees is bad but even worse is loosing human lives. We can always plant a new tree but we could never get a loved one. We must all appreciate life and be humble towards God. 🙏

[buudorobuudronovich]

bro looked "one more and i'm quitting"

[KristyW]

It was more like a 2 to a low 3. Deff no 4 or anywhere near a 5.

[Cindy-ir]

It's the price you pay for living around water sending prayers