When it hit the south coast United States hurricane Helene it was category four – reported the National Hurricane Center (NHC). On Friday, as we move north, the element weakened to category oneand then it became tropical storm. Despite this, according to experts, it is still a very dangerous and life-threatening phenomenon.
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Helene takes a tragic toll
According to experts from the NHC, it is the strongest in history hurricanethat has ever hit the area of ​​west-central Florida known as the Big Bend. It is also one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the Gulf of Mexico in the past hundred years.
After reaching Florida hurricane he moved northwhere, despite its weakening, it caused much destruction in subsequent states.
American media report at least three victims fatalities. Two people died in the state Georgiawhen caused by a hurricane tornado hijacked and overturned a mobile home in Alamo.
One person died on Floridawhen a road installation collapsed on the car in which this person was traveling.
Millions of people without electricity
Hurricane led to many floods and floods in several states. Georgia authorities advised residents to stay away from windows and stay sheltered. On Friday, the NHC described conditions in the region as “hazardous and life-threatening.”
Due to floods, powerful winds and damage to the power grid there is no electricity in almost 2 million homes in the states Florida, Georgia and v North Carolina i South. In Florida alone, over 1.2 million households remain without electricity.
In Pasco County, Florida 65 people were saved from rising waters on one of the highways. Local rescue services received over 100 more reports of flooding.
Kayaking around the house
The rising water overcame flood barriers and she broke into houses. One of the city's inhabitants Tampa Bay, Florida he published a video on social media showing him kayaking inside his uninsured house:
In an interview with CNN, the man said that although he had experienced many floods as a resident of Florida, this one was the worst he had ever seen.
The hurricane became a storm
Currently Helene passes through the state of Georgiabringing heavy rains and winds gusting to approximately 120 km/h.
W North Carolina the total rainfall was about 40 cm and is still increasing. There is a risk of flooding and landslides in many places.
Because of the hurricane States of emergency are in force in a total of six American states:
- Florida (in 61 of 67 counties);
- George (in all 159 counties);
- Karolina North;
- Karolina South;
- Alabamie;
- Virginia.
Helene weakened to a level tropical storm and is no longer a hurricane, the NHC reported.
Source: CNN, NBC News, AFP
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