Summary
Hurricane Helene, which struck the southeastern United States in late September 2024, resulted in widespread devastation, particularly in North Carolina, with a death toll exceeding 200. The storm’s intensity and the extreme rainfall it produced have been linked to human-caused climate change, which has intensified the severity and frequency of such weather events.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has seen significant misinformation and conspiracy theories proliferate, particularly regarding the storm’s impact on politically conservative areas. Many claims suggest that the hurricane was engineered for political purposes or to facilitate land grabs for resources like lithium, despite scientific evidence attributing the storm’s severity to climate change. Studies indicate that climate change increased Helene’s rainfall by approximately 10% and intensified its winds by about 11%, contributing to the catastrophic flooding and destruction observed across affected regions. The storm has highlighted the urgent need for effective disaster response and recovery efforts, as well as the broader implications of climate change on future weather patterns and emergency preparedness.
Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, various conspiracy theories emerged, claiming that the storm was a result of weather manipulation targeting Republican areas. Prominent figures, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have suggested that “they” can control the weather, fueling speculation about political motivations behind the storm’s path. These claims have been widely criticized by officials and experts, who emphasize the importance of focusing on recovery rather than unfounded rumors.
Climate Change Connection
Scientific studies have established a clear link between climate change and the increased severity of hurricanes like Helene. Research indicates that warmer ocean temperatures, a result of climate change, significantly contribute to the intensity of storms, leading to more extreme rainfall and wind speeds. The World Weather Attribution group noted that Hurricane Helene’s rainfall was made much more likely due to human-induced climate change, stressing the need for a comprehensive understanding of how climate factors into disaster preparedness and response.
Response and Recovery Efforts
As communities begin to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, local, state, and federal agencies are mobilizing resources to assist affected populations. President Biden announced the deployment of troops to aid recovery efforts, highlighting the federal government’s commitment to providing necessary support. The extensive damage has prompted discussions about improving infrastructure resilience and emergency response systems in the face of increasingly frequent and severe weather events.
Climate change boosted Helene's deadly rain and wind and scientists say same is likely for Milton
Oct. 9 / Abc News / Scientists confirm climate change's role in intensifying Hurricane Helene, providing a clear analysis of how warming oceans contribute to storm severity. This piece is essential for understanding environmental impacts on weather. “ Human-caused climate change boosted a devastating Hurricane Helene 's rainfall by about 10% and intensified its winds by about 11%, scientists said in a new...
Climate change boosted Helene's deadly rain and wind and the same is likely for Milton: Scientists
Oct. 9 / Kron4 / Scientific findings link climate change to Hurricane Helene's increased severity, detailing how human actions intensified rainfall and wind. This article is pivotal for understanding the broader implications of climate change. “ Human-caused climate change boosted a devastating Hurricane Helene 's rainfall by about 10% and intensified its winds by about 11%.
Satellite images show devastation in North Carolina as deaths mount
Oct. 4 / Cbs News / Satellite images reveal the extensive devastation in North Carolina, complementing reports of rising death tolls. The visual evidence strengthens the urgency of recovery efforts and emphasizes the storm's catastrophic impact. “ A week after Hurricane Helene tore through the U.S. Southeast and devasated western North Carolina with heavy rains and severe flooding, satellite images are...
Chris Hayes: Hurricanes Milton and Helene are a wake-up call for the stakes of this election
Oct. 9 / Yahoo! News / Chris Hayes connects Hurricanes Helene and Milton to the stakes of the upcoming election, emphasizing climate change's role in extreme weather. The commentary adds a political dimension to the discussion of natural disasters. “ Hurricane Milton is expected to The National Hurricane Center is to “get their families and homes ready and evacuate if told to do so.” As of Wednesday,...
More Than 2,000 People Evacuated From North Carolina Prisons After Storm
Oct. 3 / Newsweek / The evacuation of over 2,000 incarcerated individuals in North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene's impact underscores the storm's extensive reach. It provides crucial information on emergency responses within the prison system. “ Thousands of people in North Carolina prisons have been evacuated and relocated across the state following Hurricane Helene. The North Carolina Department of...
Biden deploys more troops to North Carolina for Helene recovery
Oct. 3 / Cbs News / President Biden's deployment of troops for recovery efforts highlights governmental response to the crisis. The article succinctly covers ongoing challenges faced by residents, emphasizing the need for federal support. “ Biden deploys more troops to North Carolina for Helene recovery President Biden is touring damage from Helene in Florida and Georgia Thursday after ordering...
‘Discover the rabbit hole’: Conspiracy theories about Hurricane Helene are all over TikTok
Oct. 4 / Fast Company / Conspiracy theories surrounding Hurricane Helene gain traction on TikTok, including claims of weather manipulation for political gain. The piece effectively highlights the intersection of misinformation and climate science. “ Conspiracy theories have a habit of spiking following natural disasters, and Hurricane Helene is no exception. As the death toll topped 200 on Friday...
After the deluge, the lies: Misinformation and hoaxes about Helene cloud the recovery
Oct. 5 / Abc News / Misinformation and conspiracy theories about Hurricane Helene's aftermath are explored, revealing the political exploitation of disaster narratives. It serves as a critical reminder of the challenges facing factual reporting. “ WASHINGTON -- The facts emerging from Hurricane Helene's destruction are heartrending: Businesses and homes destroyed, whole communities nearly wiped out,...
Oct. 3 / Fox News / Rep. Virginia Foxx shares a personal narrative about her husband stranded without power, illustrating the human toll of the hurricane. The piece combines personal anecdotes with a broader look at recovery challenges. “ 'Outnumbered' panelists discuss the Biden-Harris administration's response to the devastation from Hurricane Helene. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., says her...
'They can control the weather': Marjorie Taylor Greene's latest doozy
Oct. 4 / Dailykos / Marjorie Taylor Greene's claims about weather control reflect a troubling trend in political discourse. The piece critiques her assertions and highlights how misinformation can cloud public perception during crises. “ Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia-based conspiracy theorist who moonlights as a congresswoman, was at it again on Thursday, posting this semi-cryptic...