October 4, 2024/Midnight
Erie, Pa.– The National Hurricane Center announced their concern about a potential tropical cyclone nine on Monday, September 23. The cyclone formed in the Northwestern Caribbean Sea and is on the way to Gulf of Mexico.
On Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center updated, stating that the cyclone had became tropical storm Helene. The storm hit landfall on Thursday with heavy rainfall, strong winds and flooding. According to NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rhome, “it was going to be a big storm”.
How big is the storm? Hurricane Helene reached category 4 when it hit landfall in Florida. The last category 3 was hurricane Beryl, which caused 45 deaths and brought damages to over 6 billion USD. Helene Hurricane can bring up to 2-3 months’ worth rain in the Southeast. It is the strongest hurricane that is recorded in Florida’s Big Bend.
Some states will be affected. These include Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. People are in a rush to prepare for the hurricane. In Florida, some households have used wood to barricade the windows, and they have also put sand into small bags to reduce flood water damage. Local authories also alert people about tense situations throughout the storm and request residents to shelter indoors. Many schools and colleges lock down their school and stop studying due to effects of Helene. Some colleges provide shelters on campus for people and pets.
Gannon University’s own campus in Ruskin, Florida schedules to shift to remote learning on Thursday, September 26th, and Friday, September 27th, and campus closed on Wednesday. Ruskin expects to return to school on Monday, however it will depend on the hurricane consequences.
Many states announced emergency situations. Almost all counties in Florida and Georgia were placed under a state of emergency. Southeast states are suffering significant damage such as electric outages, due to over 12 inches rainfall and winds up to 140mph. Plenty of places are submerged in floods.
The local sheriff’s department started sending out emergency services in Pasco County, Florida. They successfully rescued 40 people from rising water. In Erwin, Tennessee, more than 50 people were trapped on the roof of Unicoi County Hospital. The manager of the hospital called the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the National Guard for help, and 50 people were successfully rescued.
Helene Hurricane has caused several damages in the southeast part of the United States. Millions of customers still suffer from power outages, additional rain, and their roads being locked down. Many people need help to get out of the flooding, or need supplies, and over 60 people have already died across 5 states. Pray for those have died, and hope peace for those who are still stuck out there.
