Devastating impacts from Storm Helene have struck North Carolina and Tennessee, contributing to a grim death toll of at least 63 individuals across the southeastern United States.
Floodwaters cut off access to the mountain city of Asheville, North Carolina, leaving residents isolated as emergency responders scramble to provide aid.
Over 400 roads are closed statewide, with ten fatalities reported. Governor Roy Cooper announced that supplies are being airlifted to affected communities.
Rescues continue as teams navigate through floodwaters using boats and helicopters, including a dramatic effort to save nearly 50 patients and staff stranded on the roof of a flooded hospital in Tennessee.
The storm has sparked widespread disruptions, with many gas stations closed and significant power outages affecting approximately three million customers across five states.
Initially making landfall as a hurricane—one of the strongest to impact Florida’s Big Bend—Storm Helene has since moved north into Georgia and the Carolinas.
As the storm weakens, forecasters issue warnings of potential high winds, ongoing flooding, and tornado threats in the region.
The estimated damage from the storm ranges between $95 billion and $110 billion, with Governor Cooper describing it as “one of the worst storms in modern history” for North Carolina.
Asheville, a city known for its rich culture and arts scene, remains eerily quiet as it deals with extensive flooding and disruption.
Search and rescue operations are underway, with federal emergencies declared in six states, including Florida and Georgia.
In Tennessee, 58 individuals were rescued from the roof of a hospital after swift floodwaters complicated previous rescue attempts, and a coordinated effort involving helicopters ultimately led to their safe retrieval.
President Biden addressed the situation, highlighting the overwhelming devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene. He directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to expedite support for affected communities, particularly in North Carolina.
Looking ahead, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned the 2024 hurricane season may bring up to 25 named storms, with expectations that several could escalate into hurricanes.
As the official end of hurricane season approaches on November 30, officials caution that additional storms may still be forthcoming.
