Hurricane Helene Stats
Helene was the 8th named storm of the season, the 5th hurricane, and the 2nd major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. It reached a Category 4 status with very high winds up to 140 mph and low pressure at 938 millibars.
Highest Gust: 107 mph in West Tampa, FL
Highest Rainfall: 32.51” in Jester Mountain, NC
Highest Storm Surge: 10.34’ in Cedar Key, FL
Damage: $160 Billion (so far)
Forty-two trillion gallons of rain fell over the Southeastern United States during Hurricane Helene. That would be equivalent to the flow of Niagara Falls for 1.75 years. The top rain total was 32.51” that fell in Jester Mountain, NC.
Here were the top rain totals for North Carolina where several towns were demolished by ragging rivers and dam failures.
Here were the top rain totals for North Carolina where several towns were demolished by ragging rivers and dam failures.
Busick Raws – 30.78”
Mount Mitchell State Park – 24.20”
Spruce Pine – 23.25”
Foscoe – 21.47”
Boone – 20.12”
- Disaster Relief and Damage Caused by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina
- Worse than the Great Flood of 1916?
Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Florida Panhandle late Thursday as a major hurricane as a Category 4 hurricane. Below is the past information before the disaster:
All locations may break records by approx 2 feet. These forecasts are +- 2 feet.
- Widespread Impacts: The hurricane’s large size and rapid movement will bring extensive impacts:
- Florida: Record storm surge flooding from the Big Bend to Tampa Bay, with catastrophic winds and heavy rain.
- Georgia: Severe windstorm with gusts up to 90 mph in the south, leading to widespread power outages and damage. Heavy rain and flooding possible, especially in the northeast.
- Southern Appalachians and Tennessee Valley: Up to 18 inches of rain could trigger catastrophic flash flooding and landslides. Damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are also possible.
Hurricane Helene, a powerful and unusually large storm, is set to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle late Thursday, bringing devastating impacts to the Southeast. Hurricane and storm surge warnings are in effect for a large swathe of the Florida Gulf Coast, and the storm’s broad wind field and torrential rains will cause widespread damage across Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
Helene’s track is expected to take it across the eastern Gulf of Mexico, bringing record or near-record storm surge to the Big Bend region and Tallahassee area. Southern Georgia could see some of its strongest winds in years, with gusts potentially reaching 90 mph, leading to downed trees and power outages. The southern Appalachians are at risk of catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, with up to 18 inches of rain possible.
Helene is also likely to intensify into a Category 4 hurricane before landfall, with the potential for 130 mph winds and life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of Florida. Major cities like Tampa, Gainesville, and Tallahassee could see gusts over 70 mph. The Hurricane Center warns of a “catastrophic and deadly” storm surge in the Big Bend area, reaching up to 20 feet above ground level.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to take immediate precautions and follow evacuation orders if necessary. The Southeast is facing a serious weather event, and Helene’s impacts will be felt far and wide. Stay safe and informed, and be prepared for potentially devastating conditions in the coming days.
- Evacuate if ordered: Follow official guidance from local authorities.
- Prepare for power outages: Secure loose objects, charge devices, and have emergency supplies ready.
- Stay informed: Monitor weather updates and heed warnings.
- This is a serious threat: Take all necessary precautions to protect yourself, pets, and your property.
- Schools will be closed in most of these areas in the cone: Georgia school closings
