Hurricane Helene Causes Billions in Damages

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida's Big Bend region, has caused significant damage across the state, resulting in up to $6 billion in private insurance losses and multiple fatalities. The storm brought torrential rains, powerful winds, and substantial flooding, affecting areas from Tallahassee to Tampa. While Tallahassee was largely spared the worst, other regions like Fort Myers Beach and Marco Island faced severe damage and ongoing cleanup efforts. Helene's impact has drawn attention to Florida's already strained property insurance market, with soaring premiums and increasing risks due to climate change. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from affected areas while recovery operations are underway.