Hurricane Helene has devastated several states in the Southeast, leaving at least 49 people dead and millions without power as of Saturday morning. The powerful Category 4 storm struck Florida’s Big Bend region Thursday night and its effects are still being felt across five states, from South Carolina to Virginia. The storm’s remnants continue to bring severe weather, with rain and strong winds still threatening communities.
The death toll spans South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia. South Carolina reported 19 deaths, including two firefighters. Georgia saw 15 fatalities, with two victims killed by a tornado. Florida recorded eight deaths, while North Carolina and Virginia reported six and one, respectively. The deaths have ranged from drowning to tragic car accidents on roads slick from the storm’s downpours.
Rescue efforts have ramped up across the region, with nearly 4,000 National Guard members deployed to assist in Florida alone. The Biden-Harris administration has also sent 1,500 federal workers to support relief and recovery efforts. In North Carolina, flash floods and landslides left communities stranded and over 100 people have already been rescued.
Power outages remain widespread, with more than 3.3 million homes and businesses in the dark across multiple states. Helene’s strong winds have toppled trees and power lines, further hampering rescue and recovery efforts. In addition to flooding, dangerous road conditions and washed-out highways have made travel difficult.
The storm’s remnants are expected to continue affecting large portions of the Southeast. With more than 14 flash flood emergencies already declared and millions still under wind alerts, the threat from Helene is far from over.
