At least 43 dead as Helene cuts destructive path through southeastern US
Tropical Depression Helene wreaked havoc across wide sections of the U.S. Southeast on Friday, resulting in life-threatening flooding that has claimed at least 43 lives. The storm, which initially struck Florida’s Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching 140 mph, has left over 3.5 million homes and businesses without power.
By early Friday afternoon, Helene was downgraded to a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. However, the heavy rainfall continued to cause catastrophic flooding, prompting thousands of water rescues across multiple states, including Tennessee and North Carolina.
In Unicoi County, Tennessee, emergency services rescued over 50 individuals from the roof of a hospital after floodwaters inundated the area. Local officials reported that rising waters from the Nolichucky River were preventing ambulances from evacuating patients.
The mayor of Cocke County ordered an evacuation of downtown Newport due to concerns over a potential dam failure. Initial reports indicated a catastrophic failure of the Walters dam, located just across the state line in North Carolina, but later assessments confirmed it had only suffered a breach. Duke Energy, which operates the dam, is monitoring the situation closely.
In North Carolina, officials warned residents near the Lake Lure Dam to evacuate immediately due to fears of imminent failure. However, by the evening, assessments indicated that the dam was no longer at risk.
The storm’s aftermath revealed extensive damage in Florida, particularly in coastal towns like Steinhatchee, where an 8 to 10-foot storm surge displaced mobile homes. Tampa’s emergency personnel reported 78 water rescues, while Pasco County authorities rescued more than 65 residents overnight.
Despite evacuation orders, some residents chose to stay. Ken Wood, a ferry boat operator in Pinellas County, described a harrowing experience as his home shook from the storm’s intensity. “I’ll never do that again,” he vowed.
As the storm continues its northward path, the full extent of the damage remains under assessment. Emergency crews are working tirelessly to provide aid and conduct further rescues as floodwaters persist. Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed two deaths in Florida, while Georgia and North Carolina reported 15 and two fatalities, respectively. South Carolina saw at least 19 storm-related deaths.
The National Hurricane Center noted that Helene was unusually large for a Gulf hurricane, with tropical-storm winds extending outward 310 miles. This significant size contributed to its widespread impact across the region.
Authorities urge residents to heed safety warnings and stay informed as recovery efforts begin.
