Hurricane Helene has undergone rapid intensification for the second time, with its top-end winds increasing by 45 mph in the past 24 hours. Rapid intensification, defined as a system's maximum winds increasing by 35 mph or more in 24 hours or less, has been a notable feature of Helene's recent development.
The first instance of rapid intensification occurred from Tuesday morning to Wednesday morning, propelling Helene from a low-end tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane. Subsequently, in less than 36 hours, Helene further strengthened from a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday morning to a powerful Category 4 hurricane by Thursday evening.
