Tropical Storm Helene continues to wreak havoc across the southeastern United States, despite losing strength as it moves inland. Wind speeds have dropped to 45 mph, but heavy rainfall and flooding remain a severe threat. The storm has triggered rare flash flood emergencies across several states, and flooding has already devastated regions in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
President’s Call for Caution
President Joe Biden urged those in affected areas to stay vigilant, warning that despite Helene weakening, the danger persists. He emphasized the need to follow local officials’ guidance to protect lives. Biden has already approved emergency requests for several states, including Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Additionally, Vice President Kamala Harris was briefed on the storm’s impacts, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is set to visit Florida to assess the damage.
Multiple Storms in the Atlantic
As Helene continues its destructive path, two other storms, Hurricane Isaac and Tropical Storm Joyce, have formed in the Atlantic. Neither is expected to hit land directly, but their presence marks the first time this hurricane season that three named storms are active simultaneously.
Flooding Causes Havoc in North Carolina
In Asheville, North Carolina, floodwaters have risen by several feet, submerging cars and forcing residents to evacuate. The Swannanoa River, usually shallow, has surged to over 20 feet, setting a new record. Local reporters warn that the flooding will worsen as water continues to flow into rivers and streams.
In Anderson, South Carolina, another storm-related death was reported after a tree fell on a home. This marks the second fatality in the state, bringing the total number of Helene-related deaths to at least 23 across four states.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
The Red Cross has been actively assisting evacuees across 143 shelters from Florida to North Carolina. FEMA, the US Coast Guard, and several other agencies have been mobilized to aid in rescue efforts. Over 4.4 million power outages have been reported, primarily in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Officials are warning that restoring power may take several days due to the extent of the damage.
Trapped Hospital Staff and Patients
In Tennessee, 54 people, including hospital staff and patients, are stranded on the roof of Unicoi County Hospital due to rising floodwaters. Rescue operations are ongoing, but helicopters have faced challenges due to strong winds and dangerous conditions.
Ongoing Risk and Warnings
Although Helene is weakening, experts warn that the storm’s impacts are far from over. Floodwaters remain contaminated, and the risks from downed power lines and damaged infrastructure are significant. The National Weather Service continues to issue flash flood warnings across the region, urging residents to remain cautious.
The devastation from Helene will take time to assess, but the storm’s catastrophic impact on lives, property, and infrastructure is clear. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rescue and recovery efforts proceed.
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