Millions were without power across the southeastern U.S. as Florida reeled from Hurricane Helene, which pummeled parts of the state overnight, knocking out power lines and washing away houses.

Hurricane Helene intensified into a major Category 4 hurricane with 140 mph making landfall Thursday night bringing devastating winds and storm surge to Florida’s Big Bend, according to the

Hurricane Helene's landfall was near Perry, Florida. In the aftermath, officials start rescues, assessing storm damage in Steinhatchee, Big Bend.

Record-setting storm surge and damage from high winds have caused significant damage across Florida’s Gulf Coast, from Tampa Bay northward.

Hurricane Helene, a massive, destructive Category 4 hurricane causing catastrophic storm surge, made landfall late Thursday night. More than 1.2 million homes and businesses are without power.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Hurricane Helene made landfall 10 miles west-southwest of Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. Helene was the third hurricane to hit the Big Bend in the last 13 months, following Hurricane Idalia in August 2023 and Hurricane Debby in August 2024.

The hurricane’s storm surge could be devastating in the coastal areas of Florida’s Big Bend, where the peninsula meets the panhandle.