Hurricane Helene has left devastation in its wake across the Southeastern U.S., claiming at least 52 lives in five states. The powerful storm made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane on Thursday night, leading to widespread destruction, power outages, and flooding that stranded numerous people. Below are the latest updates:
Dam Break Concerns: A flash flood emergency in Cocke, Greene, and Hamblen counties in eastern Tennessee has been extended due to fears of a dam break along the Nolichucky River. Authorities had warned of the imminent failure of the Nolichucky Dam, impacting over 5,800 residents and two schools. However, later updates from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) confirmed that the dam remained intact as water levels began receding. The TVA reported water levels had peaked at 8 feet above record highs but were now falling at about a foot per hour. Dam safety teams are currently assessing the situation.
Death Toll Across Five States: Over 50 fatalities have been reported due to the storm. South Carolina recorded 19 deaths, including two firefighters. Georgia reported 15 fatalities, including two individuals killed by a tornado. Florida has confirmed 11 deaths, including several drownings. North Carolina reported six deaths, including a 4-year-old girl who died in a car crash caused by stormy conditions. In Virginia, one person was killed by a falling tree and a building collapse.
FEMA Chief Surveys Damage in Florida: Deanne Criswell, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is currently in Florida to assess the damage. FEMA has deployed over 800 personnel to assist affected states. The organization’s distribution centers are fully stocked and prepared to deliver supplies and equipment. Other agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and Salvation Army, are also involved in relief efforts. The American Red Cross reported that nearly 1,900 people are still in shelters following evacuations.
More Rain Expected: Additional rainfall is forecast for parts of the southern Appalachian region. Areas in western North Carolina, including Asheville, and eastern Tennessee may receive up to 1 inch of rain, while portions of Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania could see up to 2 inches. Although these totals are moderate, areas already drenched by Helene’s downpours may face renewed flooding risks.
Hundreds of Roads Closed: More than 400 roads remain closed in western North Carolina, according to the state Department of Transportation. Buncombe County has received over 5,500 emergency calls since Thursday and has conducted more than 130 water rescues. Authorities urge residents to stay clear of floodwaters, warning of downed power lines, sewage contamination, and dangerous debris.
Water Conservation Advisory: In Greeneville, Tennessee, residents are being asked to conserve water after flooding wiped out the water lines of the Chuckey Utility District that cross the Nolichucky River. Repairs will begin when conditions are safe.
Ongoing Rescue Missions: Nearly 4,000 National Guardsmen are conducting rescue operations in 21 Florida counties, while guardsmen in North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama have also been activated. The Biden administration has deployed over 1,500 federal personnel to aid communities impacted by the storm.
Severe Flooding in North Carolina: North Carolina has been hit particularly hard, with Governor Roy Cooper calling Helene one of the worst storms in the state’s modern history. Western North Carolina experienced life-threatening flash floods, landslides, and widespread power outages. More than 100 people were rescued from high waters. In just 48 hours, the town of Busick recorded nearly 30 inches of rain, while Asheville, a severely affected city, remains under a curfew.
Millions Without Power: The storm has caused massive power outages across multiple states, leaving nearly 3.3 million people in the dark. The states affected include South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and Ohio.
Ongoing Threat: Although Helene has weakened, its remnants continue to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to several states. Flash flood warnings have been issued for over 1 million people across the Southern Appalachians, including parts of Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph are still being felt in the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, with more than 35 million people under wind alerts heading into Saturday.
