Deadly Helene downgraded to tropical storm

Significant storm surge from Hurricane Helene has caused severe damage all along the Florida Gulf Coast, including Cedar Key, shown above. This is the same region that was hit hard by Hurricane Idalia in August 2023. (The Weather Channel)

Hurricane Helene became a monster on Friday, deepening rapidly to a category 4 hurricane with 250km/h winds and racing into the Big Bend region along Florida's Gulf Coast. The storm moved faster than any I can remember in this region, coming inland at over 25MPH (40KM/H). Helene has weakened to a tropical storm Friday morning over northern Georgia.

Helene was the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall in the Big Bend region. The previous record had been established by the Cedar Keys Hurricane of 1896, that had winds of 200KM/H (125 MPH).

Helene made landfall near Perry, Florida, which is quickly becoming the hurricane capital after direct hits from Debby and Idalia over the last year. Helene delivered a massive storm surge along Florida's west coast from Fort Myers north towards Alligator Point. Cedar Key was inundated once again with several feet of Gulf water. Numerous properties have been destroyed or flooded, some with water up to their rooftops.

The eye of powerful category 4 Hurricane Helene moving onshore at 11pm Thursday evening just south of Perry in Florida's Big Bend region. (NWS)

Helene's winds have taken down thousands upon thousands of trees, with power out across the US southeast to more than 3.5 million residents and businesses. The storm is also producing torrential rains, with flood emergencies across several states, including water-logged North Carolina. The Atlanta metro area has received over 150mm of rain in the last few hours, with major flooding occurring as well as numerous swift water rescues.

Early Friday morning, Helene was downgraded to a tropical storm, located 130km east, northeast of Atlanta, Georgia. Helene was still racing towards the north at 48km/h, the only saving grace with this storm has been her rapid forward speed.

As day breaks over the region, the damage is widespread and extensive. There have been at least 5 fatalities confirmed so far. I have great concern for parts of Appalachia, where Helene will stall, and rain out over the weekend. Significant fresh water life-threatening flooding is expected.

Under normal circumstance, Helene would take aim at our region. This time we are being protected by strong high pressure centred over Quebec, that will keep the storm well south of us. Good news for Ontario, Quebec and New England, but bad news for the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys.