Helene Leaves Destruction in Its Wake: At Least 43 Dead
Tropical Depression Helene has caused life-threatening flooding across large portions of the Southeastern U.S., resulting in at least 43 fatalities. The storm swamped neighborhoods, triggered mudslides, and threatened dams, leaving over 3.5 million homes and businesses without power.
Initially hitting Florida’s Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching 140 mph, Helene created a chaotic landscape of overturned boats, downed trees, submerged vehicles, and flooded streets before moving north through Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. By early Friday afternoon, the storm was downgraded to a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.
Despite the downgrade, Helene’s heavy rains continued to cause catastrophic flooding, prompting thousands of water rescues across the affected states. In Unicoi County, Tennessee, more than 50 people were rescued from the roof of a hospital after floodwaters overwhelmed the rural area, blocking ambulances and emergency vehicles from reaching patients.
In Cocke County, Tennessee, Mayor Rob Mathis ordered an evacuation of downtown Newport due to concerns about a nearby dam. Initially reported as experiencing a “catastrophic failure,” further assessments indicated the dam had only been breached without major structural failure.
In western North Carolina, Rutherford County officials warned residents near Lake Lure Dam to evacuate immediately due to the imminent risk of dam failure. However, by 8 p.m., engineers determined the dam was no longer at immediate risk.
As day broke on Friday, the extent of damage in Florida became clearer. In Steinhatchee, storm surges of eight to ten feet displaced mobile homes, while in Treasure Island, boats were found in residents’ yards. Tampa officials reported 78 water rescues, with many roads rendered impassable due to flooding.
Despite evacuation orders, some residents chose to stay. Ken Wood, a ferry boat operator in Pinellas County, described a harrowing experience, saying he would never ride out a storm again. His home experienced chest-deep flooding, and a neighboring house caught fire during the storm.
First responders faced difficulties reaching residents overnight due to dangerous conditions. Authorities reported at least five deaths in Pinellas County, while two fatalities were confirmed in Florida, and 15 in Georgia, along with two in North Carolina. South Carolina reported at least 19 storm-related deaths.
Helene was notable for its size; just hours before landfall, its tropical-storm winds extended 310 miles, significantly wider than last year’s Hurricane Idalia, which had a smaller wind radius at the time of its approach.
