Hurricanes

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HURRICANE CENTER: Tropical Depression East Of Florida To Become Storm Today

BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — There’s never a guarantee but forecasters at the National Hurricane Center say it’s likely the tropical depression that developed yesterday east of Florida will today become Tropical Storm Gordon. Its long term path remains unclear, but for now, it is heading in the general direction of the southeastern U.S. coast. The system joins two other areas of interest east of Florida, and Francine which continues to work its way through Louisiana early Thursday.

https://bocanewsnow.com/2024/09/12/hurricane-center-tropical-depression-east-of-florida-to-become-storm-today/

Francine drops to depression inland as hurricane center tracks TD7, 2 other systems

What had been Category 2 Hurricane Francine striking Louisiana with 100 mph winds diminished overnight to become a tropical depression as it moved inland Thursday as the National Hurricane Center continued to track Tropical Depression Seven and two other systems in the Atlantic.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/12/francine-drops-to-depression-inland-as-hurricane-center-tracks-td7-3-other-systems/?

Tropical Storm Francine

 

Francine quickly weakened to a tropical storm Wednesday just hours after making landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane, pelting the state with flooding rain and leaving nearly 400,000 homes and businesses without power. A flash flood emergency — the highest flood threat — was briefly in place for New Orleans and the surrounding area, where up to 8 inches of rain has fallen. Though it will continue to lose strength as it pushes inland, the storm is still capable of inflicting dangerous storm surge, floods and tornadoes. Airlines canceled all flights out of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Wednesday and some additional cancellations were made earliettoday.

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HURRICANE CENTER: Tropical Depression May Weaken, But There’s More To Watch East Of Florida

BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The Tropical Depression — #7 — that was possibly going to become Tropical Storm Gordon yesterday is now showing signs of weakening. Whether it becomes anything more than a depression remains to be seen, but it’s slightly less of a concern Friday than it was Thursday. Here’s the latest on everything happening on tropical systems from the NHC:

https://bocanewsnow.com/2024/09/13/hurricane-center-tropical-depression-may-weaken-but-theres-more-to-watch-east-of-florida/

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An ER nurse says it was ‘second nature’ to rescue a man trapped in hurricane floodwaters

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Perhaps it was fate that a man’s pickup truck got trapped in rising floodwaters unleashed by Hurricane Francine not far from where Miles Crawford lives.

https://apnews.com/article/nurse-rescue-pickup-truck-floods-hurricane-francine-244c9e57d81dfdccba9e08532bd91af7?

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NHC continues to track Tropical Storm Gordon, 1 other system could develop

The National Hurricane Center continues to track Tropical Storm Gordon and another system expected to form this weekend off the southeastern U.S. coastline.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/14/nhc-continues-to-track-tropical-storm-gordon-1-other-system-expected-to-develop/?

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Tropical Storm Gordon weakening, NHC says system expected to develop off southeastern U.S coast

The National Hurricane Center continues to track Tropical Storm Gordon and another system that is expected to develop off of the southeastern U.S. coast on Sunday.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/15/tropical-storm-gordon-weakening-nhc-says-system-expected-to-develop-off-southeastern-u-s-coast/?

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System loses tropical chances as it drenches Carolinas, hurricane center says

The National Hurricane Center ceased its tropical storm warning, but heavy rains are in store from a system approaching the Carolina coast on Monday while Tropical Depression Gordon lost steam in the Atlantic.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/16/potential-tropical-system-with-50-mph-winds-prompts-warnings-for-carolinas/?

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Hurricane center forecasts Caribbean system could form, move into Gulf of Mexico

The National Hurricane Center on Wednesday was keeping tabs on two systems with the potential to develop into a tropical depression or storm.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/18/hurricane-center-forecasts-caribbean-system-could-form-move-into-gulf-of-mexico/?

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HURRICANE CENTER: New System East Of Florida Growing, Tracking Map Busy

BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The National Hurricane Center is watching a new system forming east of Florida. The system, marked by the yellow X above, joins Tropical Storm Gordon which is going nowhere, and another system that continues to develop in the Gulf. Here is the Thursday morning update from the National Hurricane Center:

https://bocanewsnow.com/2024/09/19/hurricane-center-new-system-east-of-florida-growing-tracking-map-busy/

Hurricane center ups odds Gulf-bound tropical system could form, tracks 2 more Atlantic systems

The National Hurricane Center on Thursday increased odds that a developing system could head into the Gulf of Mexico and become a tropical depression or storm — while it also kept tabs on two systems in the Atlantic.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/19/hurricane-center-ups-odds-gulf-bound-tropical-system-could-form-tracks-2-more-atlantic-systems/?

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HURRICANE CENTER: Tropical Depression May Form, System East Of Florida Watched

BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — There are still three systems on the hurricane center tracking map Friday morning. The system in the Caribbean may become a tropical depression next week, according to forecasters, and the system east of Florida is showing signs of development. Here’s the official outlook as Friday gets underway:

https://bocanewsnow.com/2024/09/20/hurricane-center-tropical-depression-may-form-system-east-of-florida-watched/

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Hurricane center keeps track of 1 Gulf-bound, 2 Atlantic systems

The National Hurricane Center on Friday continued to keep tabs on three systems with a chance to form into the season’s next tropical depression or storm.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/20/hurricane-center-keeps-track-of-1-gulf-bound-2-atlantic-systems/?

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NHC tracking 3 systems with chance of formation

The National Hurricane Center on Saturday was tracking two systems in the Atlantic and one Gulf-bound system.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/21/nhc-tracking-4-systems-with-chance-of-formation/?

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Hurricane center tracking system expected to develop in Gulf, 2 other systems

The National Hurricane Center on Sunday was tracking a system expected to develop in Northwestern Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, and two other systems in the Atlantic.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/22/hurricane-center-tracking-system-expected-to-develop-in-gulf-2-other-systems/?

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Hurricane center forecasts major hurricane off Florida coast by Wednesday

The National Hurricane Center on Monday began advisories for a system it forecasts to become a Category 3 major hurricane before landfall in Florida this week.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/23/hurricane-center-expects-gulf-bound-system-to-form-that-could-threaten-florida/?

Likely Hurricane Helene could bring heavy rain, wind to Central Florida

Residents of Central Florida should anticipate heavy rains and gusty winds beginning Wednesday and continuing through Thursday as a tropical storm system in the northwestern Caribbean is forecast to strengthen into Hurricane Helene moving north across the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/23/likely-hurricane-helene-could-bring-heavy-rain-wind-to-central-florida/?

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State of emergency declared along Gulf Coast; covers more than half of Florida

The National Hurricane Center forecasts that tropical-storm-force winds could reach Florida as early as Wednesday. (Graphic via National Hurricane Center) 

https://local.newsbreak.com/florida-state/3606265544791-state-of-emergency-declared-along-gulf-coast-covers-more-than-half-of-florida?

Monday Evening Forecast + Tropics Update

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - It was a sunny, hot, & pretty humid day over NWFL with highs near 90.

https://www.wjhg.com/2024/09/24/monday-evening-forecast-tropics-update/?

Hurricane John strikes Mexico’s southern Pacific coast with ‘life-threatening’ flood potential

PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexico (AP) — Hurricane John struck Mexico’s southern Pacific coast Monday night with fierce winds and heavy rainfall after strengthening from tropical storm to major hurricane in a matter of hours.

https://apnews.com/article/tropical-storm-mexico-pacific-coast-953e70f4b7bba39ab2f705742f63b803?

Tropical Storm Helene forms, forecast to hit Florida as major hurricane

Tropical Storm Helene formed Tuesday morning in the Caribbean, and the National Hurricane Center forecasts it to move north and strike Florida as a major Category 3 hurricane on Thursday night.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/24/nhc-says-category-3-major-hurricane-could-bring-15-foot-storm-surge-to-florida-coast/?

Watches upgraded to tropical storm warnings for most of Central Florida

The National Weather Service on Tuesday upgraded inland tropical storm watches into warnings for most of Central Florida as what’s forecast to become major Category 3 Hurricane Helene approaches the state’s Gulf Coast.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/24/tropical-storm-watch-issued-for-most-of-central-florida/?

Hurricane season

A significant storm threat is developing for the Gulf Coast with just days until life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds impact parts of the Southeast US. The system will pick up pace and is expected to rapidly intensify into Hurricane Helene before making an expected landfall in Florida by Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared an emergency for at least 41 of the state's 67 counties. Helene would be the fourth hurricane to make landfall in the US this year and the fifth hurricane to slam Florida since 2022. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm John struck Mexico's southern coast on Monday with "catastrophic rainfall." Thousands of people have evacuated Oaxaca state and many businesses in tourist areas have paused their operations.

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Hurricane Helene enters Gulf, forecast to hit Florida as Category 4 hurricane with 20-foot storm surge

Hurricane Helene strengthened as it entered the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday with the National Hurricane Center forecasting the storm to continue to intensify and strike Florida as a major Category 4 hurricane.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/25/tropical-storm-helene-forecast-to-grow-into-hurricane-with-150-mph-gusts-before-florida-landfall/?

Helene takes aim at Florida, with huge impacts across Southeast

A landmark, highly destructive hurricane is brewing in the southern Gulf of Mexico, and is forecast to become a ferocious Category 4 or storm during the next 24 hours.

https://www.axios.com/2024/09/24/major-hurricane-helene-florida-wind-surge-tampa?

All of Central Florida under tropical storm warning

The National Weather Service on Tuesday upgraded inland tropical storm watches into warnings for all of Central Florida as what’s forecast to become major Category 3 Hurricane Helene approaches the state’s Gulf Coast.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/24/tropical-storm-watch-issued-for-most-of-central-florida/?

Hurricane Helene enters Gulf, forecast to hit Florida as Category 4 hurricane with 20-foot storm surge

Hurricane Helene strengthened as it entered the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday with the National Hurricane Center forecasting the storm to continue to intensify and strike Florida as a major Category 4 hurricane.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/25/tropical-storm-helene-forecast-to-grow-into-hurricane-with-150-mph-gusts-before-florida-landfall/?

A huge Hurricane Helene is expected to hit Florida as a major storm and strike far inland

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — An enormous Hurricane Helene swamped parts of Mexico on Wednesday as it churned on a path forecasters said would take it to Florida as a potentially catastrophic storm with a surge that could swallow entire homes, a chilling warning that sent residents scrambling for higher ground, closed schools, and led to states of emergency throughout the Southeast.

https://apnews.com/article/tropical-storm-helene-john-florida-mexico-a953d0a51d219226f7d76178af2d3f4b?

Hurricane Helene enters Gulf, forecast to hit Florida as Category 4 hurricane with 20-foot storm surge

Hurricane Helene strengthened as it entered the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday with the National Hurricane Center forecasting the storm to continue to intensify and strike Florida as a major Category 4 hurricane.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/25/tropical-storm-helene-forecast-to-grow-into-hurricane-with-150-mph-gusts-before-florida-landfall/?

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Hurricane Helene: See updated path, forecast from National Hurricane Center

Hurricane Helene is predicted to make landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, part of a frightening forecast of 130-mph winds and high storm surge that brings a dire scenario for hundreds of miles of the state's coast as entire communities are forced to flee. 

https://local.newsbreak.com/florida-state/3609303758062-hurricane-helene-see-updated-path-forecast-from-national-hurricane-center?

A huge Hurricane Helene is expected to hit Florida as a major storm and strike far inland

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — An enormous Hurricane Helene swamped parts of Mexico on Wednesday as it churned on a path forecasters said would take it to Florida as a potentially catastrophic storm with a surge that could swallow entire homes, a chilling warning that sent residents scrambling for higher ground, closed schools, and led to states of emergency throughout the Southeast.

https://apnews.com/article/tropical-storm-helene-john-florida-mexico-a953d0a51d219226f7d76178af2d3f4b?

Hurricane Helene surges to major Category 3 storm, forecast for ‘catastrophic’ Florida landfall

Hurricane Helene intensified into a major Category 3 hurricane on Thursday with 120 mph sustained winds, with the National Hurricane Center predicting it will grow further bringing devastation to Florida’s Gulf Coast and inland toward Tallahassee.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/26/hurricane-helene-strengthens-targets-florida-with-catastrophic-wind-surge-threat/?

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Hurricane Helene threatens ‘unsurvivable’ storm surge, forecasters say Fast-moving Hurricane Helene was advancing Thursday across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, threatening a storm surge in northwestern parts of the state as well as damaging winds, rains and flash floods hundreds of miles inland across much of the southeastern U.S., forecasters said. Read more.

What to know: Helene is expected to be a major hurricane — meaning a Category 3 or higher — when it makes landfall on Florida’s northwestern coast Thursday evening. As of early Thursday, hurricane warnings and flash flood warnings extended far beyond the coast up into south-central Georgia. The governors of Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas have all declared emergencies in their states.   The National Weather Service in Tallahassee forecast storm surges of up to 20 feet and warned they could be particularly “catastrophic and life-threatening” in Florida’s Apalachee Bay.   Helene is forecast to be one of the largest storms in breadth in years to hit the region, said Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. He said since 1988, only three Gulf hurricanes were bigger than Helene’s predicted size: 2017’s Irma, 2005’s Wilma and 1995’s Opal.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Follow live updates: Hurricane Helene   10 homes have collapsed into the Carolina surf. Their destruction was decades in the making   Deadly flooding in Central Europe made twice as likely by climate change

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🌀 Category 4 threatens Florida

Computer model map showing projected wind speeds just above the surface on Sept. 26 from Hurricane Helene. Image: WeatherBell Analytics A landmark, highly destructive hurricane could make landfall in Florida as a ferocious Category 4 storm this evening, Axios extreme weather expert Andrew Freedman writes. Hurricane Helene — an unusually large storm — will affect all of Florida through Friday. Threat level: In a rare occurrence, the entire state — except the far western Panhandle — is under some type of tropical storm or hurricane warning. The most likely landfall location was in the state's Big Bend region. The National Hurricane Center said strong wind gusts "are also likely farther north across portions of northern Georgia and the Carolinas." Get the latest.   Hurricane Helene   A massive storm churning through the Gulf of Mexico is expected to make landfall in Florida today as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm surge — how high the water rises above normal levels — could climb to 20 feet along Florida's Big Bend. The National Weather Service has warned Hurricane Helene could unleash "unsurvivable" conditions in Apalachee Bay. Wind speeds in the storm are expected to reach at least 130 mph, though additional strengthening is possible. Thousands of Florida residents have already been forced to evacuate and nearly the entire state is under alerts. Widespread power outages are also likely across the Southeast. Follow live updates here.   Hurricane Helene surges to major Category 4 storm, forecast for ‘catastrophic’ Florida landfall Hurricane Helene intensified into a major Category 4 hurricane on Thursday and the National Hurricane Center predicted it would bring devastation to Florida’s Big Bend region. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/26/hurricane-helene-strengthens-targets-florida-with-catastrophic-wind-surge-threat/?   Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Florida’s Big Bend as major Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds Hurricane Helene intensified into a major Category 4 hurricane with 140 mph winds making landfall Thursday night and bringing devastation to Florida’s Big Bend, according to the National Hurricane Center. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/26/hurricane-helene-strengthens-targets-florida-with-catastrophic-wind-surge-threat/? ps:Obviously I'm a day behind now!! Our power went out early yesterday evening and didn't come back on till this morning around 8 am!!

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HURRICANE CENTER: New System Forming East Of Florida And Another In The Gulf

As Helene Moves On, We Now Have Isaac And Two More…

https://bocanewsnow.com/2024/09/27/hurricane-center-new-system-forming-east-of-florida-and-another-in-the-gulf/

Hurricane Helene spun up to Category 4 in just days. What is 'rapid intensification'?

One of the scariest things about Hurricane Helene — an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 hurricane barreling up the Gulf coast of Florida on its way to smack into the Big Bend area, according to the National Hurricane Center — is just how fast it spun up .

https://local.newsbreak.com/florida-state/3610719060775-hurricane-helene-spun-up-to-category-4-in-just-days-what-is-rapid-intensification?

Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Florida’s Big Bend as major Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds

Hurricane Helene intensified into a major Category 4 hurricane with 140 mph winds making landfall Thursday night and bringing devastation to Florida’s Big Bend, according to the National Hurricane Center.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/26/hurricane-helene-strengthens-targets-florida-with-catastrophic-wind-surge-threat/?

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🌀 "Nightmare" Helene barrels through Georgia

Hurricane Helen moves north into Florida and Georgia early today after swamping Florida's northwest coast. Satellite image: NOAA via Reuters Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm last night, before moving into Georgia with "catastrophic winds" as a still-dangerous high-end Category 2 hurricane early Friday, Axios' Rebecca Falconer and Andrew Freedman report. The deadly hurricane weakened to a tropical storm by 5 a.m. ET. But "life-threatening storm surge," winds and heavy rains continued amid multiple water rescues across Florida. Fox Weather meteorologist Ian Oliver on the beach in St. Petersburg, Fla., yesterday. Screenshot: Fox Weather Threat level: The huge storm was forecast to bring an unprecedented 15- to 20-foot storm surge to Florida's sparsely-populated Big Bend area, home to vacation hideaways where the Panhandle and peninsula meet. High winds threatened all of Florida, as the storm plowed inland with hurricane-force wind gusts hitting north Georgia. Hurricane warnings were in effect for parts of metro Atlanta. Get the latest. ps:The people in the path of this Act of Satan need ours prayers!!

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Over 50 dead as Helene unleashes life-threatening flooding

Helene continues to unleash its fury across the Southeast after leaving at least 55 people dead in five states, leveling communities, knocking out power and stranding many in floodwaters following the historic storm’s landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region Thursday night as a monstrous Category 4 hurricane. Here’s the latest:

https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/28/weather/hurricane-helene-florida-georgia-carolinas

Hurricane center tracks newly formed Tropical Storm Joyce, 2 other systems on top of post-tropical Helene, Hurricane Isaac

The National Hurricane Center continued to keep its focus Friday on what had been Category 4 major Hurricane Helene as it moved inland and became post-tropical, but also was keeping tabs on newly formed Tropical Storm Joyce and Hurricane Isaac in the Atlantic and two more systems with a chance to develop into the season’s next tropical depression or storm.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/27/hurricane-center-tracks-3-systems-on-top-of-tropical-storm-helene-hurricane-isaac/?

‘It’s gone’: In tiny Gulf Coast community, Helene wiped out homes and businesses

STEINHATCHEE — As Hurricane Helene pounded this tiny coastal community Thursday night, Charles and Dana Webb abandoned their wooden cottage, seeking shelter in a sturdier concrete house next door. They spent the next two hours huddled in a bathtub with their Great Dane puppy as the Category 4 storm raged outside.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/27/its-gone-in-tiny-gulf-coast-community-helene-wiped-out-homes-and-businesses/?

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At least 52 dead and millions without power after Helene’s deadly march across southeastern US

(AP) — Hurricane Helene caused at least 52 deaths and billions of dollars of destruction across a wide swath of the southeastern U.S. as it raced through, and more than 3 million customers went into the weekend without any power and for some a continued threat of floods.

https://local.newsbreak.com/georgia-state/3612707381562-at-least-52-dead-and-millions-without-power-after-helenes-deadly-march-across-southeastern-us?

Hurricane Helene kills at least 44 and cuts a swath of destruction across the Southeast

PERRY, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Helene left an enormous path of destruction across Florida and the southeastern U.S. on Friday, killing at least 44 people, snapping towering oaks like twigs and tearing apart homes as rescue crews launched desperate missions to save people from floodwaters.

https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-florida-georgia-carolina-e5769b56dea81e40fae2161ad1b4e75d?

Helene’s catastrophic storm surge floods Gulf Coast communities

Flooded communities up and down Florida’s Gulf Coast began their long recovery on Friday, after a colossal Hurricane Helene — packing the punch of 140 mph winds — caused a catastrophic storm surge that inundated large swaths of the state between Pensacola and Fort Myers Beach.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/27/helenes-catastrophic-storm-surge-floods-gulf-coast-communities/?

‘It’s hard to walk away’: After three storms, Big Bend residents wonder if they can rebuild

KEATON BEACH — Three generations of Betheas walked around what remained of their house in this beach community, finding much of it still in one piece — but now sitting a quarter-mile from its original location.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/28/its-hard-to-walk-away-after-three-storms-big-bend-residents-wonder-if-they-can-rebuild/?

How Helene became the near-perfect storm to bring widespread destruction across the South

Hurricane Helene killed and destroyed far and wide — from Tampa to Atlanta to Asheville, North Carolina — its high winds, heavy rains and sheer size created a perfect mix for devastation. Here is a look at the many deadly tentacles of Helene. Read more.

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Hurricane center tracks 2 systems with high odds to form on top of Hurricane Isaac, Tropical Storm Joyce

With Hurricane Helene having turned into a post-tropical cyclone but still dumping rain in the Ohio Valley and Southeast U.S., the National Hurricane Center turned its attention to two developing systems with growing chances to form into the season’s next tropical depression or storm while also keeping track of Hurricane Isaac and Tropical Storm Joyce in the Atlantic.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/28/hurricane-center-tracks-2-systems-with-high-odds-to-form-on-top-of-hurricane-isaac-tropical-storm-joyce/?

NHC tracks 3 systems with chances of development on top of Hurricane Isaac, Tropical Storm Joyce

The National Hurricane Center is tracking three developing systems with growing chances to form into the season’s next tropical depression or storm while also following former Hurricane Isaac and Tropical Storm Joyce in the Atlantic.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/09/29/nhc-tracks-3-systems-with-chances-of-development-on-top-of-hurricane-isaac-tropical-storm-joyce/?

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Hurricane Isaac and Tropical Storm Joyce move through the open Atlantic far from land

MIAMI – Hurricane Isaac was a Category 2 storm far from land in the North Atlantic on Saturday, while Tropical Storm Joyce continued its path over open water well to the east of the Caribbean.

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/world/2024/09/29/hurricane-isaac-and-tropical-storm-joyce-move-through-the-open-atlantic-far-from-land/

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🌀 Heartbreak in N.C.

A woman and her dog survey the damage from Hurricane Helene in Asheville, N.C. Photo: Sean Rayford/Getty Images Helene's brutal rout of western North and South Carolina left everybody there physically and emotionally drained — including the forecasters who spent the week trying to warn people of its imminent destruction, Axios' Michael Graff and Andrew Freedman write. Why it matters: Forecasts for Helene were remarkably accurate all week. But many people in this region — some 500-plus miles from where the storm made landfall in Florida — may have found them hard to believe. "As meteorologists, we always want to get the forecast right," the National Weather Service's Greenville-Spartanburg office wrote in a rare show of emotion from data-driven forecasters. "This is one we wanted to get wrong. This is the worst event in our office's history." A washed-out Interstate 40 is closed in western North Carolina. Photo: North Carolina Department of Transportation ⚠️ By the numbers: The storm has been blamed for at least 91 deaths across both Carolinas, Florida, Georgia and Virginia. 300 roads remained closed in western North Carolina as of yesterday. More than 50 of those were major roads, including Interstate 40. "We cannot say this enough: DO NOT TRAVEL IN OR TO WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA," the N.C. Department of Transportation posted. This morning, power is out for 1.8 million homes and businesses in Georgia and the Carolinas. See a map.