As confirmed by the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry, Florida, at 11:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time on Friday, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 140 miles per hour.
The powerful storm, now classified as an ‘Extremely Dangerous’ Category 4 hurricane, has left a significant impact on the state.
The hurricane’s arrival has led to widespread power outages, with over 2,50,000 homes and businesses affected.
Reports indicate that nearly one million customers are currently without electricity across Florida, with more than 1,60,000 residents experiencing power losses, according to the latest data from Poweroutage.us.
Prior to landfall, Helene upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane, characterized by winds exceeding 130 mph.
Such intensity can cause severe structural damage, uproot trees, and disrupt power lines.
On Thursday evening, the storm lay about 120 miles west of Tampa, with sustained winds of 130 mph.
In response to the storm, authorities have declared states of emergency in several states, including Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, and Alabama.
President Joe Biden also issued an emergency declaration for Alabama ahead of Helene’s arrival.
Efforts to address the power disruptions are underway, with a focus on deploying zero-emission equipment to reduce dependence on environmentally harmful gas and diesel generators.
This equipment, previously used during Hurricane Francine in Louisiana, is being transported to affected areas to provide more sustainable power solutions.
Authorities are advising residents to stay indoors and adhere to safety guidelines as Hurricane Helene continues to affect the region.
The situation remains dynamic, and officials urge everyone to stay informed through official channels for the latest updates and instructions.
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