Residents of Florida were warned of the ‘unsurvivable’ storm surge, as Hurricane Helene made landfall, leaving flooded homes and intense rains in its wake. UAE citizens in Florida, South Carolina, and Atlanta were advised to remain cautious as the storm surged inland. The UAE embassy urged nationals to follow safety precautions and register on Twajudi for emergencies.
Hurricane Helene weakened after hitting Florida as a Category 4 storm, but officials still warned that it remained “extremely dangerous.” The storm caused power outages in Florida and Georgia, with millions of Americans under weather alerts and tornado warnings. Up to 20 inches of rain were expected, leading to fears of life-threatening floods and landslides.
The National Weather Service warned that the impact of Hurricane Helene could be significant, with floods not seen in decades across the southern Appalachians. FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized the multi-state event and potential for significant impacts. Florida residents were facing a storm surge of up to 20 feet, with authorities urging those who ignored evacuation warnings to write their names on their bodies for identification.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis mobilized the National Guard and thousands of personnel for search-and-rescue operations, stressing the need for precautions. Helene could become one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the US in over a year. The storm’s destructive path through Florida and Georgia highlighted the importance of preparedness and safety measures for residents in the affected areas.