Flooding isolates North Carolina communities as Helene's death toll rises above 100 across Southeast
Hurricane Helene made landfall along Florida's Big Bend region late Thursday night as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph.
'We don't know where to go': North Carolina residents desperate for communications from officials after Helene devastates region
Dozens of people are confirmed dead in North Carolina due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene last week. FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray is in hard-hit Asheville, where residents say they’re looking for more communications from officials because they
BOONE, N.C. - Crews are continuing their work to clear debris, restore power and get supplies into North Carolina communities that remain isolated due to the destruction caused after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida last week, leaving more than 100 people dead in several states across the Southeast.
The Category 4 hurricane made landfall along Florida's Big Bend region late Thursday night, with winds of 140 mph and a devastating storm surge. Helene left behind widespread destruction from the Sunshine State through Georgia into the Carolinas and Tennessee Valley as the storm traveled across the U.S.
At least 106 people are now confirmed dead across six states – Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
Millions of people were plunged into darkness as the hurricane’s effects brought down trees and utility lines and destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure.
As of Monday, those outage numbers dropped to 2.1 million – a sign that the nonstop work of utility crews was paying off.
While power is slowly being restored, that's only one of the obstacles first responders and residents are facing as recovery operations after the disaster continue.
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People ‘desperate for help’ in North Carolina as death toll rises
Watch: Aerial footage captures scope of catastrophic flooding in North Carolina
Aerial footage captured by the North Carolina National Guard provides a dramatic look at the scope of catastrophic flooding caused by the effects of Hurricane Helene when the deadly storm swept across the Southeast and mid-Atlantic after making landfall in Florida last week.
Communities in western North Carolina were hit especially hard by the effects of Hurricane Helene, with catastrophic flooding destroying hundreds of roads and bridges. Access to several areas has been cut off, preventing crews from getting much-needed supplies like food, water and fuel to residents.
Dozens of people are now confirmed dead in North Carolina, and hundreds of people remain unaccounted for due to the lack of power and communication access.
A majority of the deaths were reported in Buncombe County, and Sheriff Quentin Miller said the death toll may continue to rise.
"People are desperate for help, and we are pushing to get it to them," North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said. "A massive effort. Many people are cut off because roads are impassible. They don’t have power or communications. Please know that we are sending resources and coordinating closely with local governments, first responders, state and federal partners, and volunteer organizations to help those impacted by this tragic storm."
DAVISTOWN, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 29: A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter lifts off in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 near Davistown, North Carolina. At least 90 people have been killed across the southeastern U.S. due to the hurricane, according to published reports, which made landfall as a category 4 storm on Thursday. Millions are without power, according to the reports. The White House declared major disasters in North Carolina and Florida, freeing up federal emergency management money for those areas. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
The torrential rain that fell during the storm led to dozens of rare Flash Flood Emergencies, and officials were pleading with people to get to higher ground as the water quickly rose and flowed into communities.
"This unprecedented storm dropped 10 to 29 inches of rain across the mountains, causing life-threatening floods and landslides," Cooper said.
President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for North Carolina over the weekend, and more than 800 Federal Emergency Management Agency staff, along with distribution centers and equipment, have been deployed across the states that were impacted by Helene.
While crews are continuing to clean up in the wake of the storm, the shortage of food, water and fuel is leading to long lines at gas stations as tensions start to run high.
DRONE VIDEO OF HISTORIC BILTMORE VILLAGE UNDERWATER AFTER FLOODING IN NORTH CAROLINA
FLETCHER, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 29: People wait in line for gasoline in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Fletcher, North Carolina. At least 90 people have been killed across the southeastern U.S. due to the hurricane, according to published reports, which made landfall as a category 4 storm on Thursday. Millions are without power, according to the reports. The White House declared major disasters in North Carolina and Florida, freeing up federal emergency management money for those areas. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Local media reported arguments breaking out in the long lines among residents who are no doubt exhausted and running out of options while they desperately seek help.
When asked about the delay in supplies and the situation unfolding in Buncombe County, Miller said the supplies were delayed because of the destroyed roads and the Sheriff’s Office was considering posting deputies at gas stations to help prevent more arguments among residents.
While crews are trying to repair those roads, helicopters have been able to start dropping supplies to those who remain isolated until routes can be reopened.
"There are helicopters that are very active. We saw those when we came in last night," FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray said. "And yet, there are still people in dire straits in need. It’s a situation right now that is still very, very complicated and fluid."
'GET OUT OF THE WAY!: BRIDGE COLLAPSES INTO RIVER FLOODED BY HELENE IN EAST TENNESSEE
Storm surge causes catastrophic damage along Florida's Gulf Coast
Treasure Island battles for recovery after Hurricane Helene's destructive storm surge
An aerial view of Treasure Island, Florida, at first light post-Hurricane Helene paints a stark picture of devastation on Friday.
The storm surge caused by Hurricane Helene led to catastrophic damage along Florida's Gulf Coast, with the Big Bend region seeing the highest inundation, which exceeded 15 feet. Cities such as Tampa and Clearwater Beach saw their highest storm surge level in decades.
The small barrier island of Treasure Island was particularly devastated, with widespread flooding and property damage. Four people died on the barrier island because of Helene's impacts, according to Treasure Island police.
‘DANGEROUS RESCUE OPERATION’ SAVES DOZENS TRAPPED ON ROOF OF FLOODED TENNESSEE HOSPITAL
Watch: Storm surge closes in on elevated camera in Cedar Key, Florida
Hurricane Helene brought several feet of storm surge to Florida, including to this neighborhood in Cedar Key.
Residents of Florida's Keaton Beach also experienced Helene's effects, and they are still picking up the pieces.
"Seen a lot of bad storms on this river and seen people recover from a lot," Steven Hatchett told FOX Weather's Robert Ray. "But I've never seen anything this magnitude - not even the (1993) Storm of the Century or any of the hurricanes."
Hatchett said buildings that had been there his whole life are gone.