USA: Tropical Storm Helene Becomes a Hurricane Approaching Florida
Tropical Storm Helene has transformed into a hurricane as it progresses toward the southeastern United States, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). In its latest bulletin, the agency indicated that Hurricane Hélène could bring “strong winds and torrential rain to much of Florida and the southeastern United States.”
The NHC further stated, “Helene is expected to evolve into a ‘massive hurricane’ and reach the Florida coastline on Thursday.” Should the predictions of meteorological authorities prove accurate, this would be the first hurricane of such magnitude to strike the United States in over a year.
The last instance of a hurricane of this intensity occurred in August 2023, when Idalia impacted northeastern Florida. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, has been less active than anticipated. However, scientists caution that climate change, by warming ocean waters, increases the likelihood of rapid storm intensification and raises the risk of more powerful hurricanes.
