Hurricane Helene has resulted in two fatalities in Georgia on Friday, following a previous death in Florida as the storm swept across the southeastern coast of the United States, local authorities reported.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced that the deaths occurred in the central region of the state, urging residents to “brace for further impact from Helene, remain vigilant, and pray for all those affected.” in a message posted on X.
Local media have reported that the two victims, a man and a woman, tragically lost their lives when a tornado swept away their trailer. According to Steve Adams, director of the Wheeler County Emergency Management Agency, “The trailer was carried across the highway by the tornado, striking two vehicles before landing in a field,” as reported by WTOC-TV.
Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that one person died while driving in the coastal city of Tampa. “We have received a report of a fatality on the road. A car in Tampa was struck when a sign fell onto the highway,” DeSantis stated during a press conference regarding Hurricane Helene. “This demonstrates that conditions are extremely dangerous there,” he emphasized, adding, “this is not the time to be outdoors.”
Over 55 million Americans are currently under a weather alert due to Hurricane Hélène, with tornado warnings issued across northern Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
