DEVASTATING FOOTAGE OF HURRICANE HELENE. HOW LONG THE STORM WILL LAST AND WHERE IT WILL HIT THE MOST

Hurricane Helene has recently made landfall in northwestern Florida, initially striking as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of approximately 140 mph. This powerful storm hit around 11:10 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024, near the Aucilla River's mouth in the Big Bend region of Florida, an area known for its fishing communities and vacation spots. The storm has already been linked to at least three fatalities, with significant damage reported across affected areas due to high winds and catastrophic flooding.

As Helene moved inland into Georgia, it was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, but it continues to pose serious threats due to heavy rainfall and strong winds. Meteorologists have warned that the storm could generate up to 12 inches of rain in Georgia, leading to potential flooding and landslides, particularly in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Power outages have affected over 1.3 million residents across Florida and Georgia as fallen trees brought down power lines.

The storm's trajectory indicates it will continue moving northward into Georgia and the Carolinas throughout Friday, with tornado threats persisting in these regions. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings extending far beyond the coastline, indicating that areas as far inland as Tennessee may experience severe weather conditions related to Helene.

In terms of devastation, officials have characterized the impact of Helene as potentially "catastrophic," with significant property damage expected. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis noted that residents should prepare for further loss of life and extensive property destruction as the storm progresses. The full extent of damage is still being assessed, but initial reports suggest that this could be one of the most significant storms to impact the southeastern United States this season.