by Caroline Polen

Hurricane Helene is a significant tropical cyclone that formed in the Atlantic Ocean. It came from a tropical wave that moved off of the west coast of Africa. Helene turned into a hurricane as it moved across the Atlantic. Helene intensified into a Category 4 hurricane. Helene stayed in open waters, which is why the land impact was limited. But, it brought heavy rainfall and strong winds on land. 

Helene has left behind a path of destruction stretching over 500 miles from Florida to the Southern Appalachians. In only 48 hours, regions became unrecognizable. So far, the storm has caused 130 deaths. Officials believe it could be more because many people are unaccounted for. 

Helene’s path of destruction started on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It traveled to the Big Bend area. Then, it made landfall near the Cutting of Perry as a Category 4 hurricane. Helene brought a record-breaking storm surge late into the night. 

Helene also affected states as the remnants made their way inland. Ohio also saw the storm’s effects. At the peak of the damage, more than 100,000 area customers were without power. Many roads had to be blocked due to debris.