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 Florida is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm that made landfall along the Big Bend region on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

 With winds reaching up to 140 mph, Helene caused widespread destruction, particularly in coastal and inland areas. 

The hurricane has left at least 28 people dead across multiple states, and millions are without power in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Storm surges and flooding have further exacerbated the damage, with many communities overwhelmed by the scale of the destruction.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the situation as traumatic for many residents, particularly those in the Big Bend area, which had already been hit by two major storms in the past year. 

Cleanup efforts are underway, but with many homes damaged or destroyed and significant infrastructure impacted, recovery is expected to take time. 

Some areas also face continued flooding as the storm moves inland.

As the state takes stock of the damage, officials are urging residents to heed warnings and stay off dangerous roads while emergency crews work to restore power and access to essential services.