Weather
Chilling Video: Hurricane Helene – Eyewall Impacting Perry Florida
Hurricane Helene’s eyewall has made landfall in Perry, Florida, bringing with it the anticipated “catastrophic” winds and storm surge.
The Category 4 storm is expected to cause significant damage and flooding in the region over the next few hours.
Officials are urging residents to remain in their shelters and avoid unnecessary travel as the storm passes.
The death toll from Hurricane Helene continues to rise as the storm’s destructive impact becomes evident. Five fatalities have now been confirmed:
- Two deaths in Wheeler County, Georgia: Two individuals were killed when a tornado destroyed their mobile home.
- Two deaths in Charlotte, North Carolina: Vehicle accidents on wet roads caused by the hurricane resulted in two fatalities.
- One death in Tampa, Florida: A highway sign was blown onto a vehicle on Interstate 4, leading to one death.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
A deadly crash has partially closed Interstate 4 in Tampa as Hurricane Helene continues to batter the Tampa Bay area.
The incident occurred around 7:53 p.m. at mile marker 1, with traffic cameras showing a downed sign and a significant police presence at the scene.
While details about the crash are limited, local officials are urging residents to shelter in place and avoid unnecessary travel on the highway as the Category 4 storm passes through.
The incident further highlights the dangers posed by severe weather conditions and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during such events.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
Hurricane Milton has caused widespread damage and disruption across the state of Florida.
The powerful storm has brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and tornadoes, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities.
Key Impacts:
- Construction Crane Collapse: A construction crane collapsed onto the Tampa Bay Times building in St. Petersburg, causing significant damage.
- Roof Damage: The roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg was completely ripped off by the hurricane’s winds.
- Power Outages: Over 2.6 million customers are without power in Florida due to the storm.
- Tornado Damage: A tornado struck Spanish Lakes Country Club Village in Fort Pierce, resulting in multiple fatalities.
- Structural Damage: Numerous buildings have been damaged, including the mayor’s residence in Cocoa Beach.
- Debris and Flooding: Strong winds have caused debris to fly through the air, and flooding has occurred in many areas.
Government Response:
- Federal Assistance: President Joe Biden has approved emergency declarations for Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, providing federal resources to support recovery efforts.
- FEMA Presence: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Florida, coordinating with local and state officials and providing updates on the situation.
Safety Concerns:
- Receding Water: Authorities are urging residents to avoid walking out into receding water in Tampa Bay, as storm surge can pose a serious threat.
- Powerline Explosions: A powerline exploded on a home in Venice, causing sparks to rain down.
The situation remains fluid, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.