Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm before moving into Georgia, causing widespread devastation and at least one confirmed fatality, Reuters reports.
The storm made landfall in Florida with 140 mph (225 kph) winds but weakened to 75 mph (120 kph) as it moved into Georgia. The National Hurricane Center classified Helene as one of the most powerful hurricanes in US history, ranking it 14th overall. The storm caused over 1 million power outages and severe flooding, with officials warning of storm surges up to 20 feet (6 meters) and rainfall exceeding 10 inches (25 cm) in some regions. Evacuations were ordered along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and operations at several airports were suspended.
Preliminary estimates suggested insurance losses could reach between $3 billion and $6 billion, with additional federal insurance losses near $1 billion. FEMA Director Deanne Criswell planned to visit Florida to assess the damage as authorities braced for further fatalities and destruction.
