09/27/2024
Based on National Weather Service Doppler radar data, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in the Florida Big Bend region at around 11:10 p.m. ET, just east of the mouth of the Aucilla River. This point is about 10 miles (15 km) west-southwest of Perry, Florida. Air Force reconnaissance aircraft data estimate maximum sustained winds at 140 mph.
In addition to these intense winds, the storm surge is expected to be catastrophic, with levels predicted to reach up to 20 feet in the Big Bend area, causing life-threatening flooding along the coast.
This comes just a year after Hurricane Idalia hit the same region, severely impacting Perry, Live Oak, Steinhatchee, and especially Horseshoe Beach. Those communities were already hard-hit by that storm, and now they are bracing for another significant event.
The danger is not over—please continue to follow safety protocols and listen to local authorities. Stay safe.