How Helene became a Worst Case Scenario [View all]

Interesting, short article with graphics that show how mountain communities 600 miles from Florida were devastated:

These inland mountain communities are often safe from tropical storms. The cyclones that batter the U.S. southeastern coasts typically weaken as they come ashore. Many peter out before they reach a mountain town like Chimney Rock.

But this time, something different happened. Helene moved fast and carried its warm, moist air hundreds of miles inland into the Carolinas.

“It was a worst-case scenario for the type of tropical system that could deliver really extreme impacts that far inland,” said Gary Lackmann, professor of atmospheric sciences at N.C. State University.

Here’s what fueled Helene and caused so much devastation in the Appalachian Mountains.

Gift article; no paywall:

https://wapo.st/4exxjEC