Americans In the Southeast Still Reeling from the Devastating Effects of Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene has certainly left its mark in the Southeast. Due to heavy rain and wind speeds that reached 140 mph, it caused intense flooding, left millions of people without power, and flattened certain communities. 

So far, Helene has claimed at least 64 lives and caused widespread destruction throughout the Southeastern U.S., knocking out power for millions. Many people were stranded and without shelter, while others waited for rescue all day yesterday. Families are just now starting the long process of clearing debris and rebuilding their lives.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area as a Category 4 storm late Thursday evening, with fierce winds reaching 140 mph. Here’s more on what hurricane categories mean.

From there, it tore through Georgia and, although it weakened, continued to drench the Carolinas and Tennessee with heavy downpours, causing rivers and creeks to overflow and putting pressure on local dams.

Western North Carolina was hit particularly hard with landslides and flooding that led to road closures, including Interstate 40. In Buncombe County, hundreds of water rescues were performed, and parts of Asheville were submerged. For many, power and cell service are still out.