Hurricane Helene heads toward US, warning of 'catastrophic' devastation

Hurricane Helene has entered the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to strengthen to Category 4 when it makes landfall in the US state of Florida on the evening of September 26 (local time), CNN reported on September 26, citing an announcement from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Hurricane Helene Track Map

PHOTO: CNN SCREENSHOT

Hurricane Helene in Central America

PHOTO: US Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

According to the US Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, a Category 4 hurricane has winds of 209-251 km/h, capable of causing catastrophic damage (Yagi is equivalent to a Category 5). The NHC forecasts that storm surges of up to 6 m could occur along some coastal areas.

Hurricane Helene could be the strongest storm to hit the US in more than a year. Not only will it hit Florida, the storm will sweep across a series of states in the southeastern US.

People fill up gas in Cross City, Florida before the storm hits.

Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued across much of the state and nearly the entire state is on alert as the storm threatens to bring heavy rain, flooding, strong winds and dangerous surf that could cause loss of life and property.

Several schools were closed and evacuated, while several airports were also temporarily closed. More than 600 flights were canceled on September 25.

The leaders of Georgia and North Carolina have also declared a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene, bringing the total number of US states to do so to five.

Heavy rain caused by Hurricane Helene caused flooding in Cancun, Mexico on September 25.

Hurricane causes damage in Cancun

The storm hit parts of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba on September 25. Heavy rains flooded vehicles in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, while strong waves battered the coast, damaging boats. Helene also damaged the power grid, leaving more than 50,000 people without power in the western Cuban province of Pinar del Rio.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bao-helene-huong-vao-my-canh-bao-kha-nang-gay-tan-pha-tham-khoc-185240926090250283.htm