The Southeastern United States is grappling with the aftermath of Helene, a record-breaking storm that has left over 50 people dead and caused widespread destruction. The storm, which initially hit Florida as a Category 4 hurricane with wind speeds of 140 mph, has since weakened to a post-tropical cyclone. However, its impact continues to be felt across the region, with life-threatening floods and power outages affecting millions.
Helene made landfall near Perry, Florida, late on Thursday (September 26), becoming the first known Category 4 storm to hit Florida’s Big Bend region since records began in 1851. The storm then moved across Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, causing extensive damage and loss of life. According to USA Today, the death toll had reached 50 by Saturday morning, with officials expecting it to rise further as they continue search and rescue operations.
In North Carolina, the storm has been described as a “catastrophic natural disaster,” with all rivers in the state at “major flood status.” The state’s Department of Transportation has advised that all roads in the western part of the state should be considered closed, with over 400 roads already closed due to flooding. PennLive reports that in Tennessee, around 100,000 residents were urged to seek higher ground as the Nolichucky Dam in Greene County was on the brink of failure.
The storm has also caused significant power outages, with utilities reporting 3.8 million power outages on Saturday morning. In Western North Carolina, cellular coverage was lost in a county of over 250,000 people, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
President Joe Biden has approved emergency disaster relief aid for Tennessee. However, the full extent of the damage caused by Helene is yet to be determined. Early estimates by AccuWeather suggest that the storm could have caused between $95 and $110 billion in damage and economic loss, potentially making it one of the costliest storms in history.
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