Residents downstream of two North Carolina dams were told to urgently evacuate after reports that the structures were at risk of failure due to flooding and deluges from Hurricane Helene.
The Waterville Dam in Tennessee, which sits across the state line from Newport, North Carolina, was declared a state of emergency. Residents in Newport, a town of 7,000 people, were ordered to get out on Friday afternoon.
Earlier on Friday in another part of North Carolina, Rutherford County emergency management officials warned residents below the Lake Lure dam to evacuate due to “imminent failure” - but later said the structure was holding.
At least 42 people have died after Helene crashed into Florida as a 140mph, Category 4 hurricane late Thursday, pounding the west coast with “unsurvivable” conditions including 15ft storm surge. Helene has since been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone but is still packing “life-threatening” conditions as it plows north.
There were seven deaths reported in Florida, and a total of 15 people died in Georgia, including an emergency responder. Another 19 deaths were reported in South Carolina including two people who died when trees fell on houses Friday morning. North Carolina reported two deaths.
By late Friday, Helene was moving north towards Louisville, Kentucky and threatening more dangerous downpours over the Appalachia region.
Key Points
- Death toll: At least 42 killed by Hurricane Helene
- Helene becomes a post-tropical cyclone, still bringing historic flooding
- More than 4 million homes and businesses left without power
- Hundreds of flights cancelled Friday following the storm
- What makes Helene one of the worst storms to strike the US?
US mobilizes more than 1500 federal personnel to support impacted communities, VP says
03:59
Michelle Del Rey
Vice President Kamala Harris gives update on Hurricane Helene while at a news conference in Arizona.
“We have food, water, generators that are ready for deployment,” Harris said. “We are working to restore power to millions of people who currently are experiencing outages.”
Still, Harris said, destruction from the storm is not over. “The storm continues to be dangerous and deadly,” she said.
Harris gives an update on Hurricane Helene—more than 1,500 federal personnel are mobilized to support affected communities. pic.twitter.com/nvrlUbuslT
— CAP Action (@CAPAction) September 28, 2024
More than 150,000 people in Kentucky without power as storm hits
03:39
Michelle Del Rey
After hitting the East Coast on Thursday night, Hurricane Helene, now a post-tropical cyclone, made its way toward Kentucky, forcing thousands of residents there to lose power, according to poweroutage.us.
Wind gusts reached 50 to 60 mph and several residents across the state reported fallen trees and other damage, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. In Central Kentucky, two schools — Christ the King School and Lexington Catholic High School — sent students home early.
Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency in eight counties, including Boyd, Breathitt, Clark, Clay, Lee, Letcher, Magoffin and Wolfe. Four cities are also under a state of emergency. They are: Ashland, Catlettsburg, Clay City and Winchester.
TN Highway Patrol says flooding has washed away roads
03:26
Michelle Del Rey
Flooding has potentially put infrastructure at risk in East Tennessee, the agency confirmed in a X post.
“Please use extreme caution if you must travel,” the statement reads. “We stand with these communities and our partners as we continue to work together to get through this traumatic time.”
Severe flooding has washed away roadways and has possibly placed infrastructure at risk in East Tennessee. Please use extreme caution if you must travel. We stand with these communities and our partners as we continue to work together to get through this traumatic time. pic.twitter.com/4WB6ahEiuG
— TN Highway Patrol (@TNHighwayPatrol) September 27, 2024
Lake Lure dam in North Carolina continues to hold and is structurally stable
03:18
Michelle Del Rey
Olivia Stewman, the Lake Lure town manager, said a structural engineer found the dam in “stable condition,” despite reports it had been damaged earlier on Friday, NBC News reported. The dam lost power early Friday, but power has been restored.
Potable water service shut down in Pinellas County
02:49
Michelle Del Rey
Pinellas County Utilities will restrict potable water service on the barrier islands from John’s Pass south to Fort De Soto starting at 8pmdue to storm-related damages and flooding.
The county said the issue will pose a health and safety risk to all residents and businesses in the area for the next several days.
“We are asking any residents who have not yet evacuated to do so now,” the county said.
One person in Virginia has died from a falling tree
02:25
Michelle Del Rey
Governor Glenn Youngkin said one person in southwestern Virginia died after a tree fell and building collapsed in Craig County.
A dam near North Carolina-Tennessee border is not experiencing a ‘catastrophic failure'
02:13
Michelle Del Rey
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is confirming the Walters Dam near Newport has not failed. Still, Cocke County residents are being ordered to evacuate.
Northeast Tennessee continues to be impacted by flooding. People living in a flood prone area should find higher ground, evacuate if they are told to, and stay informed of the evolving situation, the agency said.
Over 500,000 without power in Florida
01:33
Michelle Del Rey
Poweroutage.us is reporting 568,861 are without power in the sunshine state nearly 24 hours after Hurricane Helene made landfall.
Death toll in South Carolina rises to 19
01:12
Michelle Del Rey
Five people are reported dead in Spartanburg County.
Spartanburg County Corner Rusty Clevenger said he couldn’t remember another storm that had caused as many deaths as Helene, The Post and Courier reports.
A mother and twin sons among those dead in Georgia
Saturday 28 September 2024 00:52
Michelle Del Rey
A 27-year-old mother and her two 1-month-old twins were killed when trees fell on their house in Thomson, Georgia McDuffie County Coroner Paul Johnson told the AP.
The coroner said an 89-year-old woman was killed when trees fell on her house elsewhere in the same county.
Hurricane Helene downgraded to post-tropical cyclone
Saturday 28 September 2024 00:16
Michelle Del Rey
According to the AP, Hurricane Helene has been downgraded from a tropical depression to a post-tropical cyclone.
The hurricane center said it expected the storm to continue producing heavy rain in the area and cause severe flash-flooding as a result.
Military members working with FEMA to respond to Helene
Friday 27 September 2024 23:55
Michelle Del Rey
Military members from Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama are now helping people harmed by Helene.
“It’s a web of a lot of professionals working together. We have our own transportation department. And they do a great job of just organizing us,” said FEMA staging unit leader Author Manning, according to WSFA12. Hundreds of service members call the base home and are mobilizing in response to the storm. Meals and aid are expected to make their way out of the base in the coming days.
Insurers could pay $5B to cover losses from Helene
Friday 27 September 2024 23:00
Julia Musto
Insurance data provider A.M. Best on Friday estimated that insurers will pay $5 billion or more to cover losses from Hurricane Helene.
A.M. Best said insurers paid $2.5 billion to $4 billion in losses for Hurricane Idalia last year, and it expects losses from Helene to be more severe.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Curfew issued in western North Carolina community
Friday 27 September 2024 22:45
Julia Musto
Officials in a western North Carolina town have issued a curfew due to safety risks from flooded streets and downed power lines from what remains of Hurricane Helene.
“It’s very dangerous out there,” Asheville Police Chief Mike Lamb said. “If you don’t have to be out, don’t go out.”
Lamb said the curfew would occur over a 12-hour period starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
With reoprting from The Associated Press
Pinellas County police say Florida’s barrier islands will remain closed Friday
Friday 27 September 2024 22:20
Julia Musto
Barrier Islands will remain closed and be re-evaluated tomorrow. Crews are working to clear roadways, debris, and address infrastructure. Deputies will be providing extra security.
— Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (@SheriffPinellas) September 27, 2024
We’re working to arrange transportation off the islands starting at 6PM. Info forthcoming. pic.twitter.com/u0LOM4Ar2w
Sign has stark warning for North Carolina travelers
Friday 27 September 2024 21:51
Julia Musto
Pretty sure I’ve never seen this on I-40 before.
— Tim Boyum (@TimBoyumTV) September 27, 2024
Short and to the point pic.twitter.com/8TR5mSFuGG
Tropical Storm Joyce is strengthening in the Atlantic
Friday 27 September 2024 21:49
Julia Musto
Tropical Storm Joyce has become more organized, the National Hurricane Center said Friday.
The Atlantic storm was moving toward the northwest, and some additional strengthening was forecast through early Saturday.
Gradual weakening is expected next week.
North Carolina officials say Lake Lure dam ‘currently holding' after urgent evacuations
Friday 27 September 2024 20:31
Julia Musto
Residents downstream of a North Carolina dam have been ordered to evacuate after the barrier was “compromised” by floodwaters due to Hurricane Helene.
In a series of Facebook posts on Friday, the Rutherfood County Emergency Management Department told those living nearby to immediately flee to higheer ground due to flash floods overtopping the Lake Lure Dam.
“Water is cresting the dam and flowing around the side walls. Structural supports have been compromised, but the dam wall is currently holding,” the Department said at 1:44pm local time.
The Independent’s Io Dodd has the latest:
Video from Florida’s Sarasota County shows widespread flooding impacts
Friday 27 September 2024 20:25
Julia Musto
As we continue our damage assessment and recovery efforts, this video captured by the Sarasota Police Drone Unit displays the impact of #HurricaneHelene on our community. St. Armands & and Lido Keys, both Level A evacuation zones, experienced significant flooding and storm surge. pic.twitter.com/otj7aKIPuB
— Sarasota Police Department (@SarasotaPD) September 27, 2024
Tornado hits North Carolina businesses
Friday 27 September 2024 20:13
Julia Musto
A tornado was confirmed Friday in northern Rocky Mount, city communications specialist Robin Cox told The Associated Press.
There was damage to businesses in the area, but the city did not yet confirm if there were any injuries.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Dozens rescued. from flooded Tennessee hospital
Friday 27 September 2024 20:10
Julia Musto
Ballad on UCH: 54 people have been relocated to the roof of the building and seven remain in rescue boats. TEMA and National Guard resources are engaged in what can only be described as a dangerous rescue operation.
— Tri-Cities WX/ALERTS (@wxnotifications) September 27, 2024
Dozens of people were being rescued by helicopter from a flooded Tennessee hospital inundated by Helene.
Some 54 people were moved to the roof of the Unicoi County Hospital while water rapidly flooded the facility.
North Carolina’s Lake Lure dam is ‘compromised’ but holding
Friday 27 September 2024 19:28
Julia Musto
North Carolina’s Rutherford County said while water is cresting and flowing around the side walls of its Lake Lure dam, and the dam’s structural supports have been comprimised, the dam wall is “currently holding.”
“Evacuations have occurred from the Dam to Island Creek Road. Evacuation sirens are sounding downstream of the Dam. Emergency personnel are working with the structural engineers and are going house to house to ensure all citizens have been evacuated. Evacuees are being transported temporarily to Ingles in Lake Lure,” it said.
People in the area can text AlertRC to 888777 to get emergency updates.
Tropical Depression Helene still producing historic, catastrophic flooding in Appalachians, Southeast
Friday 27 September 2024 18:50
Julia Musto
Tropical Depression Helene was moving about 125 miles south-southeast of Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday afternoon.
The storm was still moving north-northwest, with a slowdown in speed expected.
The depression is forecast to stall over the Tennessee Valley tonight and through the weekend.
Continued slow weakening is expected, and Helene is forecast to become extratropical later this afternoon.
Tropical Depression #Helene Advisory 17A: Helene Still Producing Historic and Catastrophic Flooding Over Portions of the Southeast and Southern Appalachians. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 27, 2024
Carolinas, Tennessee have seen at least a half of foot of rain since Tuesday
Friday 27 September 2024 18:37
Julia Musto
Preliminary data shows rainfall in parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee reached at least a half a foot between Tuesday and Friday.
Some parts of the region saw more than a foot of rain.
A map from the National Weather Service shows massive amounts of rain there since Tuesday.
Here is a preliminary map of the event total rainfall, since 8 AM Tuesday (3-day totals). Keep in mind this does not include additional rain since 8 AM this morning and that the data has not been thoroughly quality-controlled. #ncwx #scwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/UEaquDt2SY
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) September 27, 2024
Social media video, images show life-threatening debris flow and flooding in Boone
Friday 27 September 2024 18:20
Julia Musto
Life-Threatening Major flooding and debris flow in Boone.
— Ethan Clark wx (@EthanClarkWX) September 27, 2024
Video is from my friend Aidan Haas at App State @spann @JimCantore #ncwx #Helene pic.twitter.com/ybWFEmZPYg
This is the current scene in Boone where tomorrow Appalachian State is set to host Liberty…
— Oliver Hodgkinson (@ojhodgkinson) September 27, 2024
pic.twitter.com/EdAS8p9AjN
To all the Liberty fans and players saying we are scared to play or a ducking them, the first picture is the main road to get in and out of Boone, the other is river street, the road our stadium is on. pic.twitter.com/slqwuRCVwI
— App State Meme Guy (@miss_the_mtns) September 27, 2024
Even though I moved to Wisconsin, North Carolina is still my home. I went to App State and lived in Boone for years.
— Noah Cornelius (@noahcorneliustv) September 27, 2024
Even still, I can’t believe what I’m seeing. These images are shocking.
Stay safe, everyone.#Helene pic.twitter.com/xd9JyPxWK3
North Carolina residents told to evacuate due to ‘imminent’ dam failure from Hurricane Helene floodwaters
Friday 27 September 2024 18:16
Julia Musto
A dam in North Carolina is in imminent danger of failing due to Hurricane Helene, according to local officials.
The National Weather Service (NWS) told nearby residents on Friday morning to immediately evacuate to a safe place due to flash floods overtopping the Lake Lure Dam in Rutherford County.
The Independent’s Io Dodds has the latest:
At least six people have died in South Carolina
Friday 27 September 2024 18:11
Julia Musto
Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables told The Associated Press that four people had died overnight.
He planned to release more details later.
Two others in Anderson were killed by falling trees.
Images out of Boone show impassable roads
Friday 27 September 2024 18:00
Julia Musto
New images out of Boone, North Carolina, show impassable roads due to Helene’s flooding.
Helene forces cancellation of Appalachian State football game
Friday 27 September 2024 17:59
Julia Musto
Appalachian State canceled its home football game against Liberty due to damage caused by Helene.
The game was scheduled for Saturday and will not be rescheduled.
The Liberty game scheduled for tomorrow is canceled due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
— App State Football (@AppState_FB) September 27, 2024
Please be safe, #AppNation.https://t.co/7JPHe7aRPh
The news comes as North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper warned people to stay off the roads in the western part of his state. Swift-water rescues are underway in the area.
Connecticut Army National Guard deploys to North Carolina
Friday 27 September 2024 17:45
Julia Musto
The Connecticut Army National Guard is deploying to North Carolina on Friday.
Its 1-169th Aviation Regiment is providing one CH-47 Chinook helicopter and a five-soldier flight crew for approximately one week.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Flash flood emergency declared for North Carolina’s Lake Lure Dam
Friday 27 September 2024 17:31
Julia Musto
The Lake Lure Dam in Rutherford County, North Carolina, is failing.
URGENT: FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR THE LAKE LURE DAM! DAM FAILURE IMMINENT! RSIDENTS BELOW THE DAM NEED TO EVACUATE TO HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY! #ncwx https://t.co/InksFUUYF6
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) September 27, 2024
“URGENT: FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR THE LAKE LURE DAM! DAM FAILURE IMMINENT! RESIDENTS BELOW THE DAM NEED TO EVACUATE TO HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY!” the National Weather Service warned.
#BREAKING - The Lake Lure Dam in Rutherford County, NC is failing. Emergency units below the dam are fleeing. Dam operators tried to do an emergency release, but it wasn't enough. The power of the water has broken the support for the dam and a failure is imminent. EVERYONE GET… pic.twitter.com/Vj8LzIWfjn
— Tyler Metcalf (@tymetwx) September 27, 2024
Friday 27 September 2024 17:30
Julia Musto
Video shows North Carolina’s Swannanoa River rising amid the storm.
The Swannanoa rose extremely fast over the past 15 minutes. It now covers Blue Ridge Rd in Black Mtn pic.twitter.com/kcNfVXFGXQ
— Evan Fisher (@EFisherWX) September 27, 2024
North Carolina Transportation Department shares scary image of I-40
Friday 27 September 2024 17:15
Julia Musto
⬇️ You're standing on I-40, looking down at U.S. 74.
— NCDOT Asheville Area (@NCDOT_Asheville) September 27, 2024
❗ The Blue Ridge Parkway bridge is in the distance.
⚠️ Don't go out today. It's not safe.#Helene #ncwx pic.twitter.com/bZhAJOKLIu
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says 11 people killed by causes related to Helene
Friday 27 September 2024 17:03
Julia Musto
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said 11 people have died so far in Georgia from causes related to Hurricane Helene.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the governor said an emergency responder was among those who had died.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Pinellas County police rescue people trapped in their homes
Friday 27 September 2024 17:00
Julia Musto
Photos show Pinellas County officers as they assist people who are still trapped in their Florida homes.
Rescues are still underway, people trapped inside their homes. #PinellasHelene pic.twitter.com/G62bXAKHKD
— Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (@SheriffPinellas) September 27, 2024
Images show North Carolina rescues as Helene bears down on the state
Friday 27 September 2024 16:45
Julia Musto
Images show North Carolina rescue efforts as Helene bears down on the state.
Tampa mayor shares stunning aerial video of Helene flooding
Friday 27 September 2024 16:30
Julia Musto
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor shared aerial video of flooding in her city on Friday morning.
“We’re seeing extensive damage on Davis Islands and waterfront areas. The National Guard has activated to help with rescue efforts,” she said.
Just went up with @TampaPD. We’re seeing extensive damage on Davis Islands and waterfront areas. The National Guard has activated to help with rescue efforts. pic.twitter.com/qCBbHa9naf
— Jane Castor (@JaneCastor) September 27, 2024
Georgia Governor speaks on Helene response efforts
Friday 27 September 2024 16:25
Julia Musto
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp will speak to reporters at 11:30 a.m. EDT.
Tune in live at 11:30 AM for an update on Hurricane Helene’s widespread impact, and ongoing response efforts throughout the state.https://t.co/6d51HDH9QL pic.twitter.com/cKeGi3zqTz
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) September 27, 2024
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says more than 2K miles of roadway have been cleared
Friday 27 September 2024 16:23
Julia Musto
In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene hundreds of search and rescue missions were conducted by state personnel, and the state assisted on nearly a thousand others.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 27, 2024
There are over a million accounts without power in the state, but over a million have already been… pic.twitter.com/7o0T8fZp8j
Tropical Storm Joyce forms over the Atlantic
Friday 27 September 2024 16:16
Julia Musto
Tropical Storm Joyce formed Friday over the Atlantic Ocean.
Forecasters said the storm, positioned about 1,325 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands, isn’t threatening land, forecasters said.
There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect, but Joyce is expected to strengthen gradually through Sunday.
More than 50 swift water rescues conducted in North Carolina
Friday 27 September 2024 16:15
Julia Musto
More than 50 swift-water rescues were conducted in North Carolina’s Buncombe County.
“This is the most significant natural disaster that any one of us has ever seen in western North Carolina,” Ryan Cole, the county’s assistant emergency services director, said.
Dramatic images were also coming out of Watauga County, including the town of Boone.
Holy cow, this is King Street in downtown Boone, I have never seen this before. #wncwx #ncwx #flood #Helene pic.twitter.com/IKVIsRUvBZ
— Brad Panovich (@wxbrad) September 27, 2024
Helene produces historic, catastrophic flooding over US Southeast, Appalachians
Friday 27 September 2024 16:02
Julia Musto
Tropical Storm is producing historic and catastrophic flooding over portions of the US Southeast and southern Appalachians.
Impacts will continue through this evening, and the National Hurricane Center said widespread significant river flooding was ongoing.
11AM EDT Sept 27: #Helene is producing historic and catastrophic flooding over portions of the southeast and southern Appalachians. For the latest visit https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ pic.twitter.com/Gy6tnJ5S9t
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 27, 2024
Georgia power outages expected to rise Friday
Friday 27 September 2024 16:00
Julia Musto
With over a million customers reported without power mid-Friday morning, power outages in Georgia are expected to keep rising.
Georgia Power Co. CEO Kim Greene told reporters Friday she feared outages would continue for its 2.6 million customers.
“All of that rain is leading to very saturated ground, and trees, unfortunately, will continue to fall,” Greene said. “So we do expect the number of outages to continue to rise. I assure you that we want to get your power back on just as safely and as quickly as possible.”
Governor Brian Kemp said multiple hospitals in south Georgia are without power after Helene knocked out both primary power and their generators.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Fox Weather meteorologist carries Atlanta woman to safety through floodwaters
Friday 27 September 2024 15:55
Julia Musto
Video shows Fox Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen carrying an Atlanta woman through floodwaters after Hurricane Helene.
Mobile homes in Tallahassee are moved by huge storm surge
Friday 27 September 2024 15:45
Julia Musto
Mobile homes are seen moved by up to 10 feet of storm surge, according to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee.
Dangerous storm surge occurring in Steinhatchee. Mobile homes moved by 8-10' of surge.#Helene #FLwx https://t.co/B9vEHpdH5N
— NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) September 27, 2024
Second tree-related death reported in South Carolina
Friday 27 September 2024 15:36
Julia Musto
Authorities are reporting a second death in South Carolina from Helene.
A person was killed Friday morning by a tree falling on a home in Anderson County, the Coroner’s Office said in a statement.
This brings the tally of total deaths from the storm to nine.
Satellite image shows massive reach of Tropical Storm Helene
Friday 27 September 2024 15:30
Julia Musto
Tropical Storm Helene was still producing damaging and gusty winds Friday morning.
The storm is bringing life-threatening flooding for portions of the Southeast and Southern Appalachians.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says Madeira Beach is ‘almost unrecognizable’ after Helene
Friday 27 September 2024 15:27
Julia Musto
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says its Madeira Beach area was hit hard.
“Debris, displaced cars, burst pipes. It is almost unrecognizable,” the office wrote on X.
Florida’s Gandy Bridge was open, but Skway and others remained closed.
Search and rescue continues. This is along Gulf Blvd. pic.twitter.com/NVQgS84P3D
— Treasure Island, FL (@TresIslandFL) September 27, 2024
Home burnt down off of Gulf Blvd in Redington. #PinellasHelene pic.twitter.com/V4Lx8Bvmgk
— Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (@SheriffPinellas) September 27, 2024
The westbound Gandy Bridge (US 92) from Hillsborough County to Pinellas County is now open.
— Pinellas County (@PinellasGov) September 27, 2024
CLOSED: The eastbound Gandy Bridge (US 92) from Pinellas County to Hillsborough County will remain closed until debris clearing and damage assessment is complete. https://t.co/L7wggocLIL
Sights from Madeira Beach. Debris, displaced cars, burst pipes. It is almost unrecognizable. #PinellasHelene pic.twitter.com/8wDqZ5kzZd
— Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (@SheriffPinellas) September 27, 2024
Helene’s aftermath in pictures: Flooding fills the streets, wreaking havoc
Friday 27 September 2024 15:17
Julia Musto
Images in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene show the magnitude of the storm.
Flight cancellations plague airports in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida
Friday 27 September 2024 15:02
Julia Musto
Hurricane Helene forced hundreds of flight cancellations on Friday morning, according to tracker FlightAware.
There were 225 cancellations at North Carolina’s Charlotte Douglas International Airport and 122 and Georgia’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Florida’s Tampa International Airport had just 36.
Tallahassee Airport said it was open for business.
The @TLHAirport is open as of 6 a.m., Friday, Sept 27. The first commercial flight is scheduled to arrive at 1:15 p.m. pic.twitter.com/KxlofrIp63
— City of Tallahassee (@CityofTLH) September 27, 2024
Titan hearing begins, despite power outage due to storm Helene
Friday 27 September 2024 14:44
Julia Musto
Jason Neubauer of the Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis Deputy Chief began the hearing’s final daily opening at 9am ET.
The inquiry at Charleston County Council Building, South Carolina, was predicted to be delayed due to Hurricane Helene making landfall in Florida on Thursday evening.
Despite a power outage, Neubauer says, the hearing is now under way.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reports 2 fatalities in Florida, ‘serious damage'
Friday 27 September 2024 14:39
Julia Musto
Governor Ron DeSantis Gives Update #6 on Hurricane Helene from Tallahassee https://t.co/X4Lcph5r4m
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 27, 2024
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that just two fatalties have been reported in his state so far.
“The reality is that this is something that was very damaging,” he said at a press conference on Friday morning.
The governor applauded rescue efforts.
More than 4M customers left without power after Helene hits region
Friday 27 September 2024 14:30
Julia Musto
More than four million customers were left without power across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee on Friday after Helene swept through the region.
Fox Weather reporter rescues Atlanta woman from Helene floodwaters
Friday 27 September 2024 14:27
Julia Musto
Fox Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen is captured on camera rescuing a woman in Atlanta from floodwaters that surrounded her vehicle.
Death toll from Hurricane Helene rises
Friday 27 September 2024 14:21
Julia Musto
One person was killed in Florida when a sign fell on their car, and two people were reported killed in a possible tornado in south Georgia as the storm approached.
Trees that toppled onto homes were blamed for deaths in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Anderson County, South Carolina.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Watch: ISS orbits above Hurricane Helene as storm approaches Florida with 120mph winds
Friday 27 September 2024 14:15
James Liddell
Child and dog rescued from flood water as ‘unsurvivable’ Hurricane Helene devastates Florida
Friday 27 September 2024 13:55
James Liddell
Pasco Sheriff says it assisted with 200 water rescues
Friday 27 September 2024 13:51
Julia Musto
Pasco Sheriff’s Office says water is receding and rescue calls have slowed Friday morning following Helene’s massive impact. The office assisted with 200 water rescues.
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is honored to serve and protect our community. We are grateful that water is receding along the US19 corridor and, with that, rescue calls for service have slowed. Approximately 200 people were rescued from rising water in Pasco County overnight in a… pic.twitter.com/gwWSOiSLu8
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) September 27, 2024
Carolinas see impacts from Helene as storm shifts north
Friday 27 September 2024 13:43
Julia Musto
As Helene heads through the Carolinas, impacts are shown in social media videos from Asheville and Greenville.
No power at UNC Asheville, and the sound of trees falling and generators arcing. Also this sustained orange fla