Hurricane Helene’s Devastating Impact on the Southeastern US
Leah Foster
Posted On September 30, 2024
Hurricane Helene’s Devastating Impact on the Southeastern US
As Hurricane Helene continues to unleash its destructive force across the Southeastern US, the death toll has climbed to at least 91, according to the Associated Press. As of Sunday afternoon, roughly 2.4 million homes and businesses remain without power, leaving millions in the dark.
Florida’s Coastal Devastation
Upon making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane, Helene left a trail of destruction. Governor Ron DeSantis described “complete obliteration” in parts of the state, with 90% of homes in communities like Keaton Beach being washed away. Eleven fatalities have been confirmed in Florida, with search and rescue teams actively searching for survivors.
Record-Breaking Rainfall and Flooding
Helene’s torrential rains have caused widespread flooding, triggering some of the most severe flooding North Carolina has experienced in a century. Yancey County in North Carolina received an astounding 29.5 inches of rainfall, while Atlanta, Georgia, endured a record-breaking 11.12 inches over 48 hours. Overtopping dams and rising waters have forced evacuations and resulted in the closure of hundreds of roads.
Search and Rescue Operations Continue
In response to the crisis, over 800 FEMA personnel are on the ground providing support and assistance. In North Carolina, over 200 people have been rescued from floodwaters, and about 1,100 residents are staying in emergency shelters. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency is actively assisting local agencies in rescue efforts across 32 counties.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage
As of Sunday, power outages continue to plague the southeastern states. South Carolina has been hit the hardest, with nearly 870,000 customers without electricity. Georgia follows with over 656,000 affected, while North Carolina has just over 526,000 without power. Infrastructure damage, including downed trees and downed power lines, is hampering restoration efforts.
Potential for Additional Flooding
While Helene has been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, it is still lingering over the Tennessee Valley, threatening additional rainfall. Parts of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee could see upward of 2 inches of rain through Monday, while heavy rain and flash flooding remain a risk for the Central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic regions.
