Millions in dark, flood emergencies persist as Southeast struggles in wake of Helene’s deadly wrath
Helene, which is now post-tropical, will continue to bring flooding rains over the weekend as a breakdown in the weather pattern will allow the system to mender across the East, the FOX Forecast Center said.
'It's heart wrenching': Robert Ray surveys the devastation from Keaton Beach, Florida
Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction from storm surge and incredible winds along the Gulf Coast of Florida. FOX Weather's Robert Ray surveys the damage and speaks with three people who are now dealing with the aftermath.
BOONE, N.C. – Recovery efforts are ongoing in the Southeast as communities grapple with Hurricane Helene's devastation that left dozens dead, entire neighborhoods underwater, and millions without power. The deadly storm's stubborn leftovers continue to cause widespread disruption on Saturday.
The Category 4 storm, which made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region with 140 mph winds, claimed at least 50 lives across five states. Hundreds have been rescued from the widespread flooding and property damage caused by the storm's relentless rains and winds.
As of Saturday, power outages persisted across more than a dozen state, affecting over 3 million customers – a slight improvement from the peak of the storm, when 4.7 million were without power.
FOX WEATHER EXCLUSIVE STORM TRACKER RECOUNTS CHASING HELENE
In this aerial view, power crews work on the lines after Hurricane Helene passed offshore on September 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Florida. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
Devastating storm surge, near 100 mph wind gusts slam Florida
Helene's storm surge caused catastrophic damage along Florida's Gulf Coast, where nearly a half million still remain without power Saturday morning. The Big Bend region experienced surges exceeding 15 feet, while Clearwater Beach and Tampa saw their highest levels in decades.
Florida barrier islands experience storm surge with 'insurmountable' impacts
FOX Weather Meteorologist Michael Estime reports from Davis Island, where more than 3 feet of storm surge swept over the Tampa community. Sept. 28, 2024.
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The small barrier island of Treasure Island was particularly devastated, with widespread flooding and property damage.
Wind gusts measured as high as 99 mph in Perry, Florida as Helene made landfall.
Following landfall, the storm quickly moved through Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee, uprooting trees, splintering homes and overwhelming rivers and dams.
A catastrophic flood threat was narrowly avoided Saturday along the Nolichucky River in East Tennessee as the remnants of Helene unleashed torrential rainfall, pushing the river to the brink of a critical emergency.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a dire Flash Flood Emergency late Friday as the Nolichucky Dam in Greeneville was feared to be teetering on the verge of collapse, threatening imminent danger to communities downstream. However, the dam survived the onslaught and the waters, while still several feet above record flood stage, are starting to recede.
WATCH: TENNESSEE DAM NARROLY AVOIDS FAILURE AFTER HEAVY RAIN FROM HELENE
Swollen river pours over Tennessee's Nolichucky River Dam.
The swollen Nolichucky River sweeps over a dam in eastern Tennessee after 1-2 feet of rain fell in the nearby mountains. (Video courtesy: Tennessee Valley Authority)
This comes after a record-breaking 28 Flash Flood Emergencies were issued across the Southeast, including Georgia, western North Carolina, parts of South Carolina and Virginia. Friday saw the most Flash Flood Emergencies issued in a single day nationwide.
Even as the storm weakened to a post-tropical cyclone, its devastating effects continued to be felt.
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Helene's life-threatening floods inundate Boone, North Carolina
FOX Weather continues to follow the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, as over 200 reports of flooding have poured in from across the Southeast. Boone, North Carolina, is currently under a Flash Flood Warning, with life-threatening flooding inundating the area on Friday. Meteorologist Jane Minar is reporting live from Boone with the latest on the situation there.
Dozens of water rescues as record floods slam western North Carolina, Atlanta
In North Carolina, the storm's torrential rains caused catastrophic flooding, particularly in the Asheville area. At least 50 water rescues were reported, and tragically, 19 lives were lost. The flooding was so severe that parts of the state remained underwater days after the storm passed.
Blue Ridge Mountains bear brunt of North Carolina's historic flooding
FOX News' Chelsea Torres is live from Asheville providing the latest updates on the devastation and cleanup efforts in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
One group of friends in Boone canoed the flooded South Fork New River for 32 minutes, landing at a washed out road on Friday.
"We saw trailers floating by, and cars toppled over", one of the friends said.
Friends talk after having canoed the flooded South Fork New River for 32 minutes and landing at a washed out road on September 27, 2024 in Boone, North Carolina. (Melissa Sue Gerrits / Getty Images)
Atlanta experienced its first-ever Flash Flood Emergency, breaking a 138-year-old rainfall record with 11.18 inches in two days. This caused severe flooding that submerged entire neighborhoods.
Rescue crews worked tirelessly to save stranded individuals, including a woman who was rescued by FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen. Hearing her cries for help while reporting nearby, Van Dillen immediately jumped into action to save her from the rising floodwaters.
FOX Weather's Bob Van Dillen rescues woman from Atlanta floodwater
FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen bravely rescued a woman who had driven into floodwaters in Atlanta early Friday morning.
Helene, which is now post-tropical, will continue to bring flooding rains over the weekend as a breakdown in the weather pattern will allow the system to meander across the East, the FOX Forecast Center said.
Around 2-4 inches of additional rain is likely from Western Tennessee into Ohio. Additional rain is expected in the Northern Appalachian Mountains. Helene's lingering effects should finally exit the Northeast late Tuesday into Wednesday.