Helene hell: Powerful storm pummels southeast US, 49 dead across 5 states

Hurricane Helene claimed the lives of at least 49 people across multiple states, levelled communities, and stranded countless others in floodwaters. While downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, Helene continued to produce heavy rain.

In Short

• With 140 mph winds, Hurricane Helene hit Florida first
• Millions without power, thousands displaced by flooding
• Weakened storm still causing life-threatening floods

Helene, a once-powerful Category 4 hurricane, continued to wreak havoc across the southeastern United States, leaving at least 49 people dead and millions stranded in floodwaters.

With winds reaching 140 mph, the storm first hit Florida’s Big Bend region on Thursday night before continuing its destructive path through several states, resulting in widespread power outages, devastating floods, and the displacement of thousands.

Storm-related deaths have been reported in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia. Nearly 3.5 million people across five states are without power, and authorities have warned that restoration could take several days.

The hurricane, which has since weakened into a post-tropical cyclone, continued to produce heavy rain, sparking life-threatening floods that could lead to dam failures, threatening to inundate entire towns.

1. In Florida's Pinellas County, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri described the destruction as a "war zone." In southern Georgia, authorities used chainsaws to clear debris and open roads. Atlanta has experienced record-breaking rainfall, with 11.12 inches falling in just 48 hours.
2. In North Carolina, a lake featured in the movie "Dirty Dancing" overtopped a dam, leading to evacuations. The state's Governor, Roy Cooper, described Helene as one of the worst storms in the region's history.
3. In Tennessee, rescue teams worked against the clock to save 54 people stranded on the roof of the Unicoi County Hospital after water rapidly flooded the building. All were safely evacuated by helicopter by late Friday afternoon.
4. Rescue efforts were ramped up across multiple states. The Defense Department reported that nearly 4,000 National Guardsmen were deployed in Florida, with additional forces mobilised in North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Vice President Kamala Harris announced that over 1,500 federal personnel had been sent to assist with recovery efforts.
5. Travel and delivery services were severely disrupted by the storm. Amtrak trains were cancelled, and delivery companies suspended operations in several states. Roads were closed due to flooding and landslides, making it difficult for people to move around.