Hurricane Helene surged ashore last night as a Category 4 storm, making it the strongest on record to impact Florida’s Big Bend region. Several fatalities were reported and millions were left without power as it moved north into Georgia, where it quickly lost strength. Early this morning, it was downgraded to a tropical storm, bringing heavy rains and flooding as it plowed into the Carolinas.
Tampa International (KTPA), St. Pete-Clearwater International (KPIE), and Gainesville Regional (KGNV) airports all reopened this morning after assessments determined that they had sustained no significant damage from Helene, as did Tallahassee International Airport (KTLH) in the heart of the landfall zone.
According to NBAA’s air traffic services desk, Augusta Regional Airport (KAGS) in Georgia and Asheville Regional Airport (KAVL) in North Carolina are both open today but without local tower air traffic control.