HELENE: STRONG WINDS AND FLOODING DESTROYS ROADS AND HOMES IN THE U.S. SOUTHEAST AND GULF COASTS
Last week, Hurricane Helene rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane, bringing sustained winds that reached 130 mph as it approached the U.S. Gulf Coast. The storm made landfall on September 26, 2024, unleashing catastrophic flooding, particularly in coastal regions. The storm caused severe flooding along the west coast of Florida, with storm surge levels estimated at up to 20 feet and rainfall totals in North Carolina exceeding 20 inches. The massive hurricane resulted in tropical-storm-force winds impacting areas up to 400 miles away, leading to significant impacts across the southeastern U.S.
HELENE: SUPPLY CHAIN AFTERMATH
Helene severely disrupted the U.S. supply chain by forcing the closure of major ports, airports, and rail lines, especially in Florida and the southeastern region. Consequently, delivery delays emerged for logistics companies, significantly impacting both local and global goods movement. The long-lasting effects of Helene are expected to strain supply chains that were already fragile from previous disruptions. Shipping delays and port omissions may occur while post-storm assessment and recovery work continues.
Florida – Recovery efforts are underway as Florida grapples with extensive damage and flooding from Hurricane Helene. Thousands of residents remain without power, and utility crews are working tirelessly to restore services. Emergency management teams are coordinating response efforts to clear roads and provide assistance to affected communities.
Significant impacts continue to affect both roadways and ports:
- Port Tampa Bay are reopened with vessel movement restricted to daylight hours. Flooding and debris have blocked several major highways, including US-41 and SR-776.
- Tampa International Airport reopened on Friday, September 27, 2024.
Georgia – In Georgia, significant rainfall and wind damage have led to downed trees and power outages, affecting many homes and businesses. Recovery teams are assessing the damage, while local authorities urge residents to remain cautious due to hazardous conditions.
- Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for all 159 counties. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) fully activated its State Operations Center, pre-positioning resources across the state. Ports and intermodal terminals, especially those linked to Savannah, face operational slowdowns due to high winds and flooding, while downed trees and power lines complicate recovery efforts. However, the Port of Savannah has resumed operations but shippers should expect some delays.
North Carolina and South Carolina – Both states have experienced widespread flooding, especially around Charleston and Wilmington, where ports have encountered delays and rerouted shipments. Rail services provided by CSX and Norfolk Southern faced track blockages from debris, slowing cargo movements inland.
- North Carolina – North Carolina faces dire circumstances, particularly in western regions where catastrophic flooding has cut off access to many areas. Hundreds remain unaccounted for, prompting state officials to mobilize resources to assist those in desperate need. The Port of Charlotte resumed normal operations on September 27, 2024.
- South Carolina – South Carolina has reported over 25 fatalities due to the storm, with rescue operations ongoing in several flooded areas. Emergency services are prioritizing access to isolated communities, where many residents still require basic supplies and assistance. The Port of Charleston remains open.
Virginia – Virginia has experienced flooding and power outages, particularly in the western parts of the state. Authorities are monitoring the situation and preparing for recovery efforts as communities assess the storm’s impact.
- Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Virginia Federal Emergency Declaration received approval to aid recovery efforts in the state. The Virginia Emergency Management Agency (VDEM) coordinates debris removal and flood response. The state has focused its efforts on coastal regions where infrastructure damage is most severe, while ports in Norfolk and Hampton Roads have reduced operations. Flight disruptions have been noted at Norfolk International Airport, with local rail and road systems struggling under flooding and debris. The Port of Norfolk remains open.
Class 1 Railroads – Both CSX and Norfolk Southern have reported that most major routes are operational, although several remain out of service due to downed power lines and debris.
- CSX – As of Friday, September 27, 2024, the following routes are delayed:
- Kingsport, TN, and Blue Ridge, NC regions due to severe flooding
- Manchester/Fitzgerald Subdivision (Jacksonville/Waycross to Mid Georgia)
- Bow Line (Waycross, GA to Thomasville, GA/Dothan, AL)
- Clearwater Subdivision (Tampa, FL to Clearwater, FL)
- Palmetto Subdivision (Tampa, FL to Bradenton, FL)
- A-Line (Jacksonville, FL to Florence, SC)
- Norfolk Southern – The following routes are out of service as of Monday, September 30, 2024:
- Macon to Brunswick: ~70 miles of trees remain to be removed
- Asheville: routes east and west of Asheville due to historic flooding
- Bluefield, WV to Norton, VA: account for downed power line; the current estimate for the line’s removal is 10/01
- Augusta, GA to Millen, GA: out of service due to downed power lines (3)
- Augusta, GA to Columbia, SC: out of service due to downed power lines (2)
The situation remains dynamic, with updates expected as assessments continue across affected regions.
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