Monster hurricane Helene moves in - state of emergency declared

 

The hurricane
Now the monster hurricane Helene is hitting the USA

Julia Wide

Updated 22.43 | Published 22.08

Hurricane Helene is predicted to be the worst hurricane to hit the US in over a year.

Tonight it moves in over the coast of Florida.

- You still have time to escape, but conditions will quickly deteriorate, says Michael Brennan, at the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Helene continues to intensify. After being upgraded from a tropical storm on Wednesday, it is expected to hit the southeast coast of the United States with devastating force tonight.

In Florida, the hurricane risks creating a life-threatening storm surge, with extremely high water levels of 6.1 meters in some parts of the coast. A storm has already reached the coast and caused power outages for over 100,000 people.

Several mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in the state and authorities are urging the public to take the warnings very seriously. Tens of thousands of residents have already left.

- You still have time to escape, but the conditions will quickly deteriorate, says Michael Brennan, head of the National Hurricane Center to the BBC.

Helene is also expected to bring with it strong winds, rain and lightning that can cause power outages, torn roofs and floods.

Road closed before Photo: Jefferee Woo / AP

Satellite image of Helene. Photo: AP

Biggest in over a year

The hurricane is expected to be the worst to hit the United States in over a year. It is predicted to grow into one of the biggest hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in the last century, hurricane expert Michael Lowry told CNN.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis states that almost the entire state is on alert for the arrival of the hurricane. An extensive search and rescue team has been called in and shelters have been opened for residents in affected areas. He urges residents of the affected regions to leave as soon as possible.

Two airports in Florida have shut down all traffic on Thursday. So far, over 1,000 flights around the country have been cancelled.

States of emergency have been declared in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.

Florida prepares for Hurricane Helene. Photo: Martha Asencio-Rhine / AP