Hurricane Helene facts for kids
Hurricane Helene approaching the Big Bend region of Florida on September 26
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| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | September 24, 2024 |
| Extratropical | September 27, 2024 |
| Dissipated | September 29, 2024 |
| Category 4 tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 140 mph (220 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 939 mbar (hPa); 27.73 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 252 total |
| Injuries | ≥117 |
| Missing | 4 |
| Damage | $78.7 billion (2024 USD) (Fifth-costliest tropical cyclone on record; costliest in North Carolina history) |
| Areas affected | |
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Part of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season |
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Effects
Other wikis |
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Hurricane Helene was a very powerful and destructive tropical cyclone that caused widespread damage and sadly, many deaths across the Southeastern United States in late September 2024. It was the strongest hurricane ever recorded to hit the Big Bend region of Florida. Helene was also the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Hurricane Maria in 2017 and the deadliest to hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Helene was the eighth named storm, fifth hurricane, and second major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It started as a large area of low pressure in the western Caribbean Sea on September 22, 2024. By September 24, it had grown into a tropical storm near the Yucatán Peninsula and was named Helene. The storm quickly gained strength, becoming a hurricane on September 25. As Helene moved across the Gulf of Mexico, it grew even stronger very quickly, reaching Category 4 intensity on September 26. Late that day, Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, near Perry, with powerful winds of 140 mph (220 km/h). Helene then weakened as it moved inland and became a post-tropical cyclone over Tennessee on September 27, finally fading away on September 29.
Before Helene hit, states of emergency were declared in Florida and Georgia. People expected very high storm surge along the coast and strong winds far inland. The storm brought huge amounts of rain, causing severe flooding, especially in Western North Carolina, East Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia. It also created many tornadoes. Helene caused record-breaking storm surge in Tampa Bay. Overall, the hurricane led to 252 deaths and an estimated $78.7 billion in damage, making it one of the most expensive Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded.
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How Hurricane Helene Formed and Grew
Experts at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) started watching the western Caribbean Sea for a possible storm on September 17. A large area of low pressure formed there on September 22. This system gradually gathered more showers and thunderstorms. Because it was a threat to land, it was called Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine on September 23. The next day, special aircraft called Hurricane Hunters confirmed that a storm center had formed. The NHC then named it Tropical Storm Helene with winds of 45 mph (72 km/h).
Helene continued to strengthen, becoming a hurricane by September 25 as it moved into the Gulf of Mexico. The storm was very large, with the NHC noting that its size was bigger than 90% of hurricanes at similar locations.
After a brief period of steady strength, Helene began to grow much stronger very quickly on September 26. This happened because of warm ocean waters and favorable wind conditions. A clear eye formed in the center of the storm. Helene reached Category 2 strength by noon and became a Category 3 major hurricane by 6:00 PM UTC, with winds up to 120 mph (195 km/h). At midnight on September 27, the hurricane reached its strongest point with winds of 140 mph (220 km/h). It hit land near Perry, Florida, at this peak strength, becoming the strongest hurricane to strike Florida's Big Bend region since records began in 1900.
As Helene moved inland, it quickly lost strength. It became a Category 2 hurricane shortly after entering Georgia and then a tropical storm over central Georgia. By September 27, Helene changed into a post-tropical cyclone over southern Kentucky. The storm then lingered over Tennessee before finally disappearing on September 29.
As Helene moved north into the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the mountains caused the storm to drop even more rain. This led to a rapid increase in cooling, condensation, and heavy rainfall in the region.
How Climate Change Affected Helene
On October 9, 2024, scientists from World Weather Attribution stated with "high confidence" that climate change made Hurricane Helene worse. Their study found that the 2.3 °F (1.3 °C) increase in temperatures, due to climate change, increased Helene's rainfall by 10% and its strongest wind speeds by 11%, or 13.6 mph (22 km/h). This was compared to a similar storm in cooler conditions from the past.
Getting Ready for the Storm
People and governments in several countries took many steps to prepare for Hurricane Helene.
Mexico's Preparations
Tropical storm warnings were issued for the eastern Yucatán Peninsula. Areas in Quintana Roo and Yucatán were put on high alert. Cruise ship arrivals were canceled, and the Tren Maya train service was closed. Shelters were opened, and people in vulnerable areas were asked to evacuate. Schools in Quintana Roo were also closed.
Caribbean Islands Get Ready
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands were under a tropical storm warning. Shelters were opened, and sandbags were made available. Schools were closed, and both Charles Kirkconnell International Airport and Owen Roberts International Airport were shut down. The Cayman Islands Regiment helped with preparations.
Cuba
Western Cuba received tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches. Medical teams were prepared for floods. Schools and ports were closed, and fishing boats were called back to shore. Ferry services and other boat travel were suspended due to the bad weather.
United States Preparations
Amtrak changed or canceled several train routes in the Southeastern United States because of the storm.
Florida's Preparations
Hurricane warnings were issued for Florida's Big Bend Coast, and most of the state was under a tropical storm warning. On September 23, Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, declared a state of emergency for 41 counties, which was later expanded to 61 counties. U.S. President Joe Biden also approved federal disaster help for these counties. Many sandbagging sites were opened, and several state parks were closed.
In the Tampa Bay area, schools were closed. A college football game was postponed, and classes at Florida State College at Jacksonville were canceled. The SpaceX Crew-9 mission launch was delayed. Theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando also closed or changed their hours. Many universities, including the University of Central Florida and the University of Florida, closed their campuses. Schools in Leon County were used as shelters.
Mandatory evacuations were ordered for coastal and low-lying areas in several counties, including Citrus, Wakulla, and Hernando. Airports like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and Tallahassee International Airport were closed.
Before Helene, a 2023 survey showed that 84% of Florida residents expected a major weather event, but only about 47% felt prepared to stay home during one.
Georgia's Preparations
The coast of Georgia was under tropical storm warnings, and southwestern Georgia was under a hurricane warning. On September 24, Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for Georgia. Emergency centers were set up, and shelters were opened in several counties. Sandbags were also provided.
Many schools, including those in Atlanta Public Schools and the Atlanta metropolitan area, canceled classes or moved them online for September 26 and 27. Emory University and the University of Georgia also canceled classes. National parks like Cumberland Island National Seashore were closed. The Atlanta Braves baseball team postponed two games. Curfews were put in place by some local areas.
South Carolina's Preparations
The entire state of South Carolina was under a tropical storm warning, and Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency. Congaree National Park and other historic sites were closed.
North Carolina's Preparations
Western North Carolina was under tropical storm warnings. Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for the state. State parks like Gorges State Park and Mount Mitchell State Park were closed, and parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway were shut down.
Other States' Preparations
Parts of Indiana and Ohio received high wind warnings. In Alabama, some counties were under hurricane warnings, and others had tropical storm warnings. President Joe Biden approved a state of emergency for Alabama. In Louisville, Kentucky, a music festival was canceled due to strong winds. Glenn Youngkin, the Governor of Virginia, declared a state of emergency. Search and rescue teams from Virginia and Maryland were sent to help.
Helene's Impact Across the Region
| State | Deaths (Missing) |
Damage (US$) | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 34 | >$13.9 billion | |
| Georgia | 37 | >$6.46 billion | |
| South Carolina | 50 | >$1.48 billion | |
| North Carolina | 108 | $59.6 billion | |
| Tennessee | 19 | $1.35 billion | |
| Virginia | 3 | $4.1 billion | |
| Indiana | 1 | $2.22 million | |
| Total | 252
(4) |
$78.7 billion |
Hurricane Helene caused an estimated $78.7 billion in damage. At least four million people lost power. The storm also caused about $7 billion in damage to farms.
A factory in Marion, North Carolina, that makes important medical fluids, had to close temporarily due to flood damage. This led to a shortage of these fluids in hospitals across the country.
Sadly, 252 people lost their lives across six affected states. North Carolina had the highest number of deaths, with 108. Florida reported 34 deaths, Georgia 37, and South Carolina 50.
Impact in Honduras
Honduras experienced heavy rains before Helene, causing flooding in low-lying areas. A state of emergency was declared in San Marcos de Colón. Many homes were affected, and some communities became isolated due to the floods.
Impact in Mexico
The area around Cancún received a lot of rain, and over 120,000 customers lost power in Quintana Roo. Isla Mujeres experienced extreme flooding and strong winds. Cancún and Cozumel saw very rough waves, which damaged seawalls and caused beach erosion. Flights were delayed or canceled at airports. Trees fell, and roofs were damaged across the Yucatán Peninsula. Luckily, no deaths or major damage were reported in Mexico.
Impact in the Caribbean
Cayman Islands
Over 10 inches (250 mm) of rain fell on the Cayman Islands. Roads in George Town were flooded, and there were 14 power outages. After the storm passed, Grand Cayman was hit by large waves.
Cuba
Cuba experienced heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving over 8 inches (200 mm) of rain. Many reservoirs overflowed in Pinar del Río Province. Flooding cut off road access in some places. Strong winds caused power outages for around 70,000 customers in Pinar del Rio and 160,000 in Artemisa. In Havana, one person was injured when a building collapsed due to heavy rains.
Impact in the United States
Florida's Experience with Helene
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By the morning of September 26, thousands in the Tampa Bay area had lost power. Wind gusts reached 64 mph (103 km/h) in Fort Lauderdale and 67 mph (108 km/h) in Naples. Storm surge reached over 7 feet (2.1 meters) in Tampa, and some areas of the Big Bend saw more than 16 feet (4.9 meters) of water.
Helene caused 34 deaths in Florida. Rescue teams saved over 1,000 people in the Tampa Bay area. About 1.69 million customers in Florida lost power. Some areas received over 14 inches (360 mm) of rain.
Georgia's Experience with Helene
Helene entered Georgia as a strong Category 2 hurricane, even after weakening over Florida. Its high winds caused at least $5.5 billion in losses to the timber and farming industries.
In Atlanta, the National Weather Service issued its first-ever flash flood emergency. The city received its heaviest 3-day rainfall in 104 years, with over 11 inches (280 mm) in 48 hours. About 25 people were rescued from floods in Atlanta. Major highways experienced urban flooding. The Chattahoochee River overflowed, leading to water rescues. Three tornadoes were spawned in the state, one of which sadly killed two people in Wheeler County.
Officials in Rabun County ordered evacuations below a dam at Lake Rabun after floodgates were opened. Many roads were impassable, and most residents lost power. Helene caused significant damage to Georgia's poultry farms, affecting 107 facilities. Power outages affected an estimated 1.28 million customers. Thirty-seven people died in Georgia during the storm.
South Carolina's Experience with Helene
Fifty people were killed in South Carolina. Over 1.3 million customers lost power, the most of any state affected by Helene. Wind gusts reached 75 mph (121 km/h) in Beaufort. Some areas received over 21 inches (550 mm) of rain. Helene also created 21 weak tornadoes in the state.
Clemson University faced criticism for holding a homecoming football game while the surrounding area had widespread power outages and gas shortages. The university later opened its powered facilities to the community, offering food, drinks, ice, and showers.
North Carolina's Experience with Helene
Flooding from Helene was among the most destructive in North Carolina's history. The French Broad River reached a record high level of 24.8 ft (7.6 m).
Sadly, 108 deaths were reported in North Carolina. At least 879,000 customers lost power. Residents downstream of Lake Lure were ordered to evacuate due to concerns about the dam. Eight tornadoes were spawned in the state, including a strong EF3 tornado that damaged 14 buildings and injured 15 people in Rocky Mount.
Areas in the Black Mountains region were especially devastated. The village of Chimney Rock was half-destroyed by floodwaters. The downtown area of Elkin was heavily damaged. Over 400 roads were closed, and more than 200 people were rescued from floods.
A curfew was issued for Asheville due to damage and looting reports. The city broke its two-day rainfall record. The French Broad River and Swannanoa River reached all-time record levels. Much of Biltmore Village and the River Arts District were flooded. Landslides caused sections of I-26 and I-40 to collapse, cutting off access to Asheville. Many universities and colleges, including University of North Carolina at Asheville and Appalachian State University, canceled classes for weeks.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) advised that all roads in western North Carolina should be considered closed. Lees–McRae College evacuated its campus with help from the North Carolina National Guard.
Scientists found that climate change increased rainfall from Helene by more than 50% in parts of Georgia and North Carolina. The catastrophic flooding in western North Carolina likely caused at least $59.6 billion in damages. The storm damaged over 160 water and sewer systems, 6,000 miles (9,650 kilometers) of roads, and an estimated 126,000 homes.
Tennessee's Experience with Helene
Helicopter crews rescued 58 people from Unicoi County Hospital after it was almost completely underwater. Parts of bridges on US 23/I-26 spanning the Nolichucky River were washed away. Nashville broke a daily rainfall record. In Newport, the Pigeon River rose to a record 26 ft (7.9 m), flooding parts of the town and nearby I-40. Many homes and buildings were destroyed by flooding.
On September 28, 2024, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) issued an alert for the Nolichucky Dam, leading to evacuation orders, but water levels later lowered. Several state-maintained bridges were destroyed. Sadly, a police dog and six factory employees were among those who died or went missing during the floods.
Virginia's Experience with Helene
Two people were killed in Virginia by falling trees. Rainfall reached over 12 inches (300 mm) in some areas. In Damascus, flooding reached 19.5 ft (5.9 m).
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Over 70 water rescue operations took place, with the Virginia National Guard helping to pull people from cars. Many roads were washed out or heavily damaged. Claytor Lake suffered heavy pollution. In Pulaski County, 45 homes were significantly impacted, and over 35 buildings were destroyed in Giles County. Parts of US 21 and US 58 were wiped out. The New River crested at 31.03 ft (9.46 m), one of its highest levels ever. Three tornadoes also hit the state. Power outages affected 190,000 people.
After the storm, nine state parks and many trails in Shenandoah National Park were closed due to damage. The entire Blue Ridge Parkway was also closed for a time.
Impact Elsewhere
In Kentucky, nearly 220,000 customers lost power. A church steeple was blown off in Nicholasville, Kentucky. West Virginia experienced heavy rainfall, fallen trees, and power outages for over 20,000 customers. In Huntington, a wind gust of 70 mph (113 km/h) was recorded.
In Illinois, Helene's remnants caused heavy rains and high winds, leading to power outages and waves as high as 10 ft (3.0 m) on Lake Michigan. The rain was helpful in alleviating drought conditions. About 100,000 power outages occurred in Indiana, and winds gusted up to 68 mph (109 km/h). Sadly, one person was killed by a fallen tree.
Over 120,000 customers lost power in Ohio. Heavy rainfall caused damage to about 1,000 households in Scioto County. In Alabama, over 3,000 customers lost power, but a shift in the storm's path lessened the overall impact.
In the Northeastern United States, Helene's remnants brought light rain and breezy conditions. This rainfall was the last for a long time in some areas, leading to dry conditions later.
Helping After the Storm
After Helene, quick assessment tools helped relief efforts. Researchers used data to map flooded areas and damaged buildings, finding many affected wells, businesses, and community facilities.
On September 28, 2024, the Omaha Public Power District sent crews to West Virginia to help restore power. California sent 151 search and rescue members. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sent rescue teams, bottled water, and Starlink internet terminals. SpaceX donated about 500 Starlink terminals. Organizations like the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army also sent emergency teams. The Connecticut Army National Guard and Canadian line crews helped restore power in North Carolina.
Pack mules were used to reach areas in North Carolina that were hard to get to. Volunteer helicopter pilots also helped with rescue efforts.
By October 1, 2024, FEMA had given out 6.5 million liters of water and 7.1 million meals. World Central Kitchen provided over 64,000 meals. Local businesses also helped, like a pizza owner who gave away free pizza in Asheville. The international non-profit SmartAID provided electricity and communication systems.
On October 1, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice declared a state of emergency for Mercer County to speed up recovery efforts and get federal help.
Many sports organizations and famous people donated money to help. The National Football League (NFL) and several teams donated $8 million. Quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins each donated $50,000. The New York Yankees baseball team donated $1.25 million. The Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Rowdies pledged $1 million. The Carolina Hurricanes hockey team donated ticket revenue and held an auction, raising over $300,000. The Tampa Bay Lightning donated $3 million. The Charlotte Hornets basketball team committed $1 million. Dolly Parton donated $2 million, and Taylor Swift donated $5 million to relief efforts for Helene and Hurricane Milton.
There was a big increase in air traffic over the disaster areas due to relief efforts. The Federal Aviation Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation issued warnings and restrictions to keep the skies safe.
On October 4, Elon Musk mentioned on X (formerly Twitter) that FEMA was not allowing SpaceX to deliver Starlink terminals. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg responded, saying the FAA does not block legitimate rescue flights. After a conversation, Musk later thanked Buttigieg, saying the issue was resolved.
On October 5, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordered debris removal sites to stay open 24/7 to clear debris before Hurricane Milton hit. He also increased the number of Florida National Guard members helping with cleanup.
Hurricane Milton, which hit Florida less than two weeks after Helene, dumped more rain and caused additional damage, making cleanup efforts harder.
Retirement of the Name Helene
Because of the severe damage and impact it caused, the name Helene was retired by the World Meteorological Organization on April 2, 2025. This means the name will never be used again for an Atlantic hurricane. It was replaced by the name Holly, which is scheduled to be used in the 2030 hurricane season.
See also
In Spanish: Huracán Helene (2024) para niños
- Hurricane Michael
- Weather of 2024
- Tropical cyclones in 2024
- Timeline of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season
- List of Category 4 Atlantic hurricanes
- List of Florida hurricanes (2000–present)
