Hurricane Helene, the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, caused widespread devastation as it made landfall in Florida, Georgia, and other southeastern U.S. states. The storm left at least 40 people dead and millions without power. The Category 4 hurricane brought maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, flooding cars and buildings, ripping off roofs, and causing extensive damage.
Residents waded through floodwaters, boats were displaced onto streets, and rescue crews used fan boats to evacuate stranded individuals. A Coast Guard helicopter rescued a man and his dog from a disabled sailboat, while firefighters carried children across floodwaters in Crystal River. Images captured the destruction caused by the storm, including homes crushed by fallen trees, flooded streets, and buildings engulfed in flames.
In Nashville, hospitals were left without electricity, and a dam failure prompted the evacuation of downtown Newport. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene also affected areas as far as Atlanta, where streets were flooded with reddish-brown water. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had predicted an above-average hurricane season due to warm ocean temperatures, with Helene being one of the many storms that hit the region.
The widespread damage caused by Hurricane Helene serves as a reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and response efforts. Authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide support to the affected communities.
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