How Helene Became The Near-Perfect Storm To Bring Widespread Destruction Across The South

How did a single storm cause harm so far away?

According to Dan Brown, an expert at the National Hurricane Centre near Miami, Helene possessed all of the characteristics of a powerful storm.

How Helene Became The Near-Perfect Storm To Bring Widespread Destruction Across The South

It was huge, measuring approximately 350 miles (560 km) broad. It was powerful, with gusts gusting to 140 mph (225 kph) when it hit land late Thursday, causing widespread storm surge. It brought strong rainfall. It was fast, traveling north at up to 24 mph (39 kph) offshore and 30 mph (48 kph) inland.

He compared Helene’s devastation to 1972’s Hurricane Agnes, 1989’s Hurricane Hugo, and 2004’s Hurricane Ivan.

“Systems that get very powerful, large and fast moving unfortunately do bring the potential for impact and damage well inland,” Brown disclosed on Saturday.

Here’s a glimpse at Helene’s several lethal tentacles.

Helene’s havoc began Thursday, hours before it hit land, as it ripped through the Gulf of Mexico. Its then-120-mph (193-kph) winds generated a storm surge, pushing 6 to 15 feet (2-to-4.5 meters) of water into the island and coastal neighborhoods across Florida’s west coast.

How Helene Became The Near-Perfect Storm To Bring Widespread Destruction Across The South

Nine people drowned because they remained behind after their Tampa Bay area neighbourhoods were ordered evacuated.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that issuing evacuation orders is not a choice taken lightly. Many who ignored officials then called for assistance, with others seeking safety in their attics from the rising waves. Deputies attempted to assist, using boats and high-profile vehicles, but were unable to reach many neighbourhoods.

SOURCE | AP