Strong Hurricane Helene hits US, risks causing major damage

On the morning of September 27 (Vietnam time), Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend area of the northwest coast of Florida (USA) with the intensity reaching level 4 on the country's 5-level hurricane scale. This is one of the strongest storms that forecasters call "extremely dangerous" to ever hit Florida, raising concerns about the risk of flooding and widespread damage to people and property.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend area of the northwest coast of Florida on September 26. Photo: GETTY IMAGES

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida with sustained winds of about 130 mph. The storm's sound was like the roar of a jet engine.

Even before it made landfall, the storm had already flooded the Gulf Coast and left at least 1 million people without power in Florida. After making landfall on the Florida coast, Helene is expected to move more slowly through the Tennessee Valley on September 27 and 28, the NHC said.

Waves crash against the seawall of a house as Hurricane Helene strengthens before making landfall in Florida's Big Bend, September 26. Photo: GETTY IMAGES

The city of St. Petersburg has shut down the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant to protect it from storm surges, according to the NYT. Nearby residents are not allowed to drain, shower, wash clothes or flush toilets, and are required to brush their teeth outdoors or over containers. In coastal areas, the water is expected to destroy buildings and sweep cars inland.

Inside the storm shelter at Fairview Middle School in Leon County before Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on September 26. Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Heavy rains are currently occurring in some coastal areas of Florida, even in Georgia, South Carolina, central and western North Carolina and some parts of Tennessee. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed at least one death due to Hurricane Helene.

Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Earlier, roads in Pinellas County, located on a peninsula surrounded by Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, were flooded. Authorities warned that the consequences of Helene could be as severe as Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall last year.

Weather experts predict that Helene will remain a powerful storm when it passes through Macon, Georgia, on September 27. This storm can cause heavy rainfall, up to 305mm, even devastating the cotton and pecan crops in this state.

KHANH HUNG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/bao-manh-helene-do-bo-my-nguy-co-gay-thiet-hai-lon-post760981.html