Hurricane Helene’s Devastation: 64 Dead, Record Flooding, and Billions in Damage [Video]

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area, claimed the lives of 64 people, a toll that is sadly expected to rise.

Arriving as a powerful Category 4 storm on Thursday, Helene drenched the region before moving through Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia. Flooding overwhelmed much of the southeastern U.S., destroying structures and leaving countless residents homeless. Many roads were also damaged, including the collapse of the Kinser Bridge in Afton, Tennessee. In Steinhatchee, Florida, nearly every home was completely wiped out by Helene’s direct hit.

Over 2.6 million homes and businesses remain without power, and flooding continues to pose a serious threat. Property damage is estimated between $15 and $26 billion, though AccuWeather projects total economic losses between $95 and $110 billion, making Helene one of the costliest storms in U.S. history. President Joe Biden has authorized federal assistance, with FEMA deploying 1,500 disaster response personnel and emergency declarations approved for five states.

In North Carolina, Helene unleashed 140 mph winds, the strongest ever recorded in the state. Experts warn of potential landslides and debris flows as floodwaters rise.  Western North Carolina, particularly Asheville, experienced severe flooding, prompting over 150 water rescues. Rescue efforts are hindered by power outages, blocked roads, and damaged infrastructure. Record rainfall hit Georgia and North Carolina, with Atlanta receiving 11.12 inches in 48 hours and parts of North Carolina seeing up to 29.58 inches, leading to severe damage to homes, roads, and farmland.