Hurricane Helene Devastates Southeast: 22 Confirmed Dead, Millions Left Without Power

Hurricane Helene Devastates

Hurricane Helene Hits Southeast: 22 Dead, Millions Without Power

Hurricane Helene made landfall overnight as a Category 4 storm, wreaking havoc across the Southeast, killing at least 22 people, and leaving millions without power. The storm struck Florida’s Big Bend region shortly after 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, marking the strongest hurricane to ever hit the area.

By Friday morning, residents awoke to widespread destruction from severe flooding and high winds, with water levels reported at over 15 feet in some locations, according to the National Hurricane Center. In Perry, Florida, where evacuation was advised, officials urged those who remained to write their identification on their bodies for safety. Police Chief Jamie Cruse expressed concern about the aftermath, stating, “The only regret I have is that we weren’t aggressive enough in notifying people to evacuate.”

In Clearwater, footage revealed first responders rescuing elderly residents trapped in knee-deep water. Mayor Bruce Rector reported devastating losses, including homes that burned to the ground and residents left unreachable due to flooding.

The storm’s impact extended into Georgia, where at least 11 deaths were confirmed, including a first responder. Florida reported five fatalities, with two drownings in Pinellas County and additional deaths linked to falling trees and road signs. In North Carolina, a tragic car crash caused the death of a 4-year-old during heavy rain, along with serious injuries to three other children.

As of now, over 4.3 million people are without power across South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia. Utility companies have begun restoring power to hundreds of thousands but warned that full restoration may take time, particularly in the hardest-hit areas.

Now downgraded to a tropical storm, Helene is expected to continue causing wind damage and flooding as it moves northward. A flash flood emergency is in effect for the Atlanta metropolitan area, with millions at risk for tropical tornadoes across the eastern Carolinas and southern Virginia.

President Biden has approved emergency declarations for multiple states, facilitating federal assistance. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell plans to visit Florida to assess damage and coordinate response efforts.

Hurricane Helene Devastates Southeast: 22 Confirmed Dead, Millions Left Without Power