(NewsNation) — The worst of Helene’s storm is behind, but the aftermath troubles much of the southeastern U.S. with at least 64 people dead and millions without power days after the former hurricane’s landfall.
Now considered a post-tropical cyclone, Helene’s catastrophic flooding remains a concern as it moves east toward Kentucky and Tennessee.
The Category 4 hurricane reached wind speeds up to 140 mph as it made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend region.
Helene causes multi-day power outages in the Carolinas
Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia experienced heavy rainfall and severe flooding on Friday, and each governor declared a state of emergency to receive federal assistance.
Multiple deaths across those states have been attributed to drowning, while some were the result of downed trees. State officials say dozens more are still trapped inside their homes.
As Helene continues to move eastward, the amount of rainfall will decrease.
“Most of the rainfall across the central and southern Appalachians has come to an end, although a few lingering showers are possible through Saturday,” the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory. Several flood warnings remain in effect across the southeast.
Photos: At least 50 stranded on Tennessee hospital roof
Some of the worst destruction occurred in the storm’s center in Florida’s Big Bend region and South Georgia. Inland cities like Atlanta and Asheville were not shielded from the storm’s impact.
Moody’s Analytics, a company that analyzes economic research, estimates up to $26 billion in property damage caused by Helene.
Helene in Tennessee
A major dam in northeast Tennessee collapsed around 7:11 a.m. ET, according to an alert from the National Water Prediction Service at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Early Saturday morning, the National Weather Service warned of an “imminent breach” of the Nolichucky Dam on the Nolichucky River, urging immediate evacuation.
Emergency Management in Unicoi County, Tenn., confirmed “deaths” following flooding in the county.
On Friday, 54 people were rescued from a hospital roof in the same area.
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In Tennessee:
- President Biden approves Emergency Declaration for TN
- Newport left underwater following extreme flooding
- Ballad : Everyone rescued from Unicoi Co. Hospital
- PHOTOS: Flooding, storm damage in East Tennessee
- Evacuation ordered for mobile park in Sevier County
Helene in North Carolina
In North Carolina, floodwaters have also rendered cell service and local roads useless in the state’s largest mountain city, Asheville. At least five tornadoes across the state have also been confirmed, according to NewsNation local affiliate WNCN.
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In North Carolina:
- Gov. Cooper sending supplies by air to Western NC
- Duke Energy dealing with ‘catastrophic damage’
- Elkin neighbors come together after historic flooding
- Teppers committing $3M to support relief efforts
Keaton Beach, Florida, ‘unrecognizable’ in Helene’s wake: Resident
Helene in Georgia
Within 48 hours, Atlanta received a record 11.62 inches of rain, according to the National Hurricane Center’s Weather Prediction Center data. Asheville received 13.15 inches of rain.
Valdosta, Georgia, was directly hit. A 135-year-old shopping mall, which housed over 50 businesses, was torn apart brick by brick. The owner told NewsNation that rebuilding is not an option.
One Georgia resident, Aaron Jameson, told NewsNation’s Mills Hayes that Helene has impacted his community more than 2023’s Hurricane Idalia.
Residents are lining up at the few open gas stations to get fuel, water and, potentially, food.
“Everything is pretty much down. They got a lot of food trucks kicking up, but most everybody I’ve seen is pretty much outdoor grilling and stuff,” Jameson said.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will tour the damage in Valdosta sometime Saturday.
“The winds were really, really strong and picked up a lot of trees … motorcycles, cars were moving around,” said Valdosta resident Vonquez Garland. “Houses were shaking. It’s a lot of oak trees completely out of the ground.”
“When I woke up, there was stuff everywhere. I ain’t never seen anything like this, not since the last time (Hurricane Idalia in 2023), but this one was worse,” said Valdosta-area resident Rodrick Steward.
The Associated Press reports at least two died from a suspected tornado in Georgia.
How to donate and assist Helene victims and survivors
Click the links below for coverage from NewsNation affiliates on the ground.
In Georgia:
- 1 dead in Jeff Davis County amid Hurricane Helene
- GALLERY: Local storm damage due to Tropical Storm Helene
- Emergency Food Distribution at Memorial Stadium
Helene in Florida
Around 3.8 million people are without electricity on Saturday; the majority of which are in South Carolina, with just over 1 million. Florida’s emergency services worked speedily, lowering the number of outages to 480,000.
Hurricane Helene rescues stretch resources
The entire community in Taylor County, Florida, still does not have power. Andrew Morgan, the county’s emergency management public information officer, said crews have worked tirelessly to clear 90% of all major roads, and once the roads are clear, they can begin fixing power lines.
“We’re going to continue to just move forward and clear out the debris and keep searching and we’ll get back to where we were before this,” Morgan said.
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In Florida:
- 9 found dead in Pinellas County after Hurricane Helene
- PHOTOS: Storm damage around Tampa Bay
- Holmes Beach allows some people back onto island
- DeSantis speaks on recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene
- VIDEO: Hurricane Helene brings high surf and destruction
- Holmes Beach allows some people back onto island
Helene in South Carolina
According to NewsNation’s local affiliate WSPA, two dozen deaths across seven counties have been confirmed by local coroner’s offices.
More than 667,000 customers remain without power in the impacted area, with provider Duke Energy warning customers to expect multi-day outages. Many upstate schools have closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Another man, in Spartanburg County, passed away after running a generator inside his home, while another person died after their vehicle became submerged in the extensive floods.
Click the links below for coverage from NewsNation affiliates on the ground.
In South Carolina:
- Upstate water district warns “limited amount” of water remaining
- Four killed by falling trees in Greenville County on Friday
- Upstate schools districts to close Monday and Tuesday
- Helene aftermath: Where to go for help, how to report damage
Helene in Virginia
West Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office reports 70 rescues across the Commonwealth in the wake of Helene. Flooding, dangerous storms and deadly tornadoes have ransacked the southwest portion of the state.
“We’ve immediately started the initial damage assessment process necessary to request a federal disaster relief declaration and I will immediately make that request once this work is completed. The grit, courage, and perseverance of Southwest Virginians will guide us through this difficult time,” Youngkin said during a visit to Damascus on Saturday.
“There’s a lot of work ahead, but together, I know Southwest Virginia will rebuild stronger than ever. May God continue to be with everyone affected, and may we continue to uplift and support one another in this time of need,” he added.
Click the links below for coverage from NewsNation affiliates on the ground.
In Virginia:
- PHOTOS: Flooding & fallen trees in Grayson County
- Three saved from flood waters by LFD Search & Rescue Team
- NWS confirms EF-1 tornado in Bedford County during Helene
- Gov. Youngkin releases storm damage assessment after Helene