Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26th, 2024, in the area of Tallahassee within the southeastern state of Florida. As it tracked through to Nashville, it caused widespread devastation across multiple states. While the wind speed dissipated significantly from circa 140mph at landfall, the extreme levels of precipitation and surge have caused severe flooding.

It is estimated that over 40tn gallons of rain were dumped on the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky and Florida. To compound matters, the mountainous topography in some of these states meant that water cascaded downwards very quickly, accumulating in lower elevation areas and wiping away entire towns. 

Once again this year, we have seen an exceptional intensification due to above-normal water temperatures in the Atlantic. In addition, due to her vast size, her path was subject to change, and her strength and volume also fluctuated. Several modifications were made just hours before landfall, which meant anticipating this storm’s initial impact was difficult to assess.

Hurricane Helene is another reminder that storms are becoming increasingly difficult to predict. Water temperatures in the Atlantic continue to be close to record highs, which can cause tropical storms to rapidly intensify and turn into very powerful and life-threatening hurricanes.

Initial damage estimates have been in the region of USD $20 – $30 billion. However, much remains to be understood regarding the true level of property damage, denial of access, power outages, and the impact on supply chains. Coverage will also need to be determined, as many of the policies affected are thought to not hold flood damage cover (or would have required a separate extension specifically written for it). 

Timeline and Path

Early formation and intensification 

• 24th September – 25th September: forming initially as a Tropical Cyclone,  close to the Cayman Islands, the system intensified to a Tropical Storm and carried on its path tracking North West towards Cancun, Mexico. 
• 25th September—26th September: Intensification occurred, forming a CAT 1 Hurricane early on the 25th. The path passed Cancun to the East with wind speeds of circa 80mph. No significant damage was recorded. Its path changed to be Northernly. 
• 25th September—26th September: Once into the Gulf of Mexico, Helene intensified from a CAT 1 to a CAT 4, with the path tracking Northeasterly toward the Big Bend of Florida, USA.  

Landfall

• 26th September – 27th September: Landfall occurred at circa 11:10pm local time between the city of Perry in Taylor County and Tallahassee the State capital of Florida, only 20 miles from where Idalia made landfall last year. Windspeeds were recorded at circa 140mph with storm surges recorded at around 20ft. 

• 27th September: By the time Helene moved inland to the area of Valdosta, Georgia, its strength had dissipated to a Tropical Storm, but its volume and reach were still devastating. Tracking North toward the bordering points of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, the storm’s precipitation and surge levels were significant. The governors of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, and Virginia all declared emergencies in their states. 

Damages Inflicted

Fatalities

The official death toll stands at over 160, with many still missing and US officials saying that the number of lost lives could be as many as 600.

Power Outages

Over 2.7 million homes and businesses were without power across the affected states according to Power Outages US. 

• Florida – 227,461 
• Georgia – 684,845 
• Indiana – 17,345 
• Kentucky – 54,874 
• North Carolina – 552,727 
• Ohio – 82,327 
• South Carolina – 914,682 
• Tennessee – 24,434 
• Virginia – 134,070 
• West Virginia – 37,244
• Total 2,730,009 

Utilities are working tirelessly to restore electricity, but widespread damage to infrastructure has slowed the process. 

Flood Levels

Record-breaking flood levels were recorded in many cities, leading to severe flooding, causing areas to be cut off and extensive damage in both residential and commercial areas. 

Significant sections of roads, such as the I40 that collapsed into the Pigeon River in North Carolina, and bridges across the region have been severely damaged or destroyed, hampering relief efforts. 

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Damage Assessment

Preliminary estimates suggest that Hurricane Helene has caused billions of dollars in damages, making it one of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history. 

The full extent of the damage will not be known for weeks as authorities continue to assess the situation. Relief efforts are ongoing with Federal, State, and local governments all having deployed emergency response teams to provide aid to affected areas. Disaster relief organizations are working to distribute food, water, and other essential supplies to displaced residents. Shelters have been set up to accommodate those who have lost their homes. 

The recovery process will be long and arduous, as communities face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and homes. 

It is important to note that the situation remains fluid, and the number of fatalities, power outages, and flood levels may change as more information becomes available.