Tropical Storm Helene, which initially struck Florida as a powerful Category 4 hurricane on Thursday evening, has now weakened but continues to bring dangerous conditions as it moves inland. Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region of North Florida shortly after 11 p.m. with sustained winds of 130 mph, making it one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the area in recent history.
Landfall and Intensity
Hurricane Helene made landfall near Apalachee Bay in Florida’s Big Bend region. At the time, the storm packed winds of 130 mph and unleashed a life-threatening storm surge, pushing water levels 10 to 15 feet above normal. The National Hurricane Center warned of catastrophic storm surge, destructive winds, and flooding rains. As Helene continued inland, it began to weaken, dropping to Category 3 shortly after landfall and now down to a tropical storm.
Damage and Impact
Initial reports from the landfall area highlight significant damage to coastal communities. Thousands of homes are reported to have sustained major wind damage, and storm surge flooded coastal towns, causing widespread power outages. Local authorities have confirmed that roads are impassable due to downed trees and debris, complicating emergency response efforts. The surge also overwhelmed low-lying areas, leaving residents to assess flood damage as waters slowly recede.
Effects on Osceola County and Central Florida
Though Osceola County and Central Florida were spared the brunt of Helene’s landfall, the storm’s large size brought significant impacts to the region. Osceola County experienced wind gusts of up to 50 mph, scattered power outages, and several reports of downed trees. Central Florida, including Orange and Polk counties, also saw localized flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 4 inches of rain. Emergency services responded to incidents of minor structural damage and localized road flooding.
Several tornado warnings were issued as the outer bands of the storm moved through the region, with one confirmed EF-0 tornado causing minor damage in eastern Orange County. Residents in Osceola County were advised to stay indoors as strong winds and rain continued into Friday morning.
Current Status and Path
As of Friday morning, Helene has weakened into a tropical storm with sustained winds of 70 mph. It is currently positioned inland, moving northeast across Georgia and the Carolinas. Though no longer a hurricane, Helene is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding in its path. The National Hurricane Center advises residents in its projected path to stay alert, as the storm is likely to continue impacting inland regions with strong winds and potential tornadoes.
Helene’s devastating impact on Florida’s coastline will take days to fully assess, but the recovery effort is already underway as crews work to restore power and clear roadways in the hardest-hit areas.
