Monitoring Hurricane Helene as it Nears Florida with Catastrophic Conditions

Project HOPE is continuing to monitor Hurricane Helene in preparation to deploy an emergency response team as the storm nears Florida’s Big Bend region. Helene is forecast to make landfall as a catastrophic category 3 or 4 hurricane this evening and is expected to bring winds of up to 132 miles per hour and storm surges as high as 20 feet, causing life-threatening conditions and disrupting access to emergency and health services. 

“Hurricane Helene is already breaking records and forecasters are warning of ‘unsurvivable’ conditions for those in its path. Project HOPE was on the ground in these same areas of Florida in response to both Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Idalia, and we saw firsthand the devastation each wrought, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities and pre-existing medical conditions, and migrant communities who were already facing significant health disparities,” said Arlan Fuller, Project HOPE’s Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “We are in communication with our partners and stand ready to support local health systems and communities with everything from shelter and hygiene supplies to medical and mental health needs.”  

Hurricane warnings are also in effect for much of Georgia and there are forecasts of life-threatening flash floods in the southern Appalachian Mountains, northern Florida, and across the southeast. Project HOPE will continue monitoring Hurricane Helene’s path and coordinating with partners to understand the greatest needs. To schedule an interview, please contact media@projecthope.org.