Hurricane Helene Causing Severe Flooding and Disruptions Across the Southeastern U.S.
The remnants of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 storm, have significantly affected communities in Tennessee and Kentucky, unleashing what officials are calling “historic and catastrophic flooding” in the Appalachian region.
A man walks near a flooded area near the Swannanoa River in Asheville, North Carolina, on Friday.
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Critical Impact Areas
The center of Helene transitioned to a post-tropical system as of Friday afternoon, positioned about 50 miles south-southeast of Louisville, Kentucky. It has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph according to the National Hurricane Center.
Central and southern Appalachians have recorded significant rainfall, with expected accumulations ranging from 6 to 12 inches, and certain areas could experience as much as 20 inches of total rainfall.
Flash flood emergencies are currently in effect for approximately 1.1 million residents in parts of both upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina, along with sections of Tennessee and Virginia, as noted by CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller.
The National Hurricane Center has warned of potential tornadoes affecting southern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina Friday evening.
In anticipation of impending flooding, mandatory evacuations have been ordered in Asheville and McDowell counties in North Carolina, while schools in Kentucky and Indiana have closed due to severe weather conditions.
Forecasts indicate that Helene is expected to stall over the Tennessee Valley throughout the weekend.
Death Toll and Damage Assessment
The impact of Hurricane Helene has been devastating, with at least 41 lives lost across four states. This includes the tragic deaths of two firefighters in South Carolina, as reported by the New York Times.
Power Outages Widespread
As a result of the storm’s significant impact, over 4 million people are currently without power throughout the Southeast. This includes nearly 2 million individuals in North and South Carolina, alongside substantial outages reported in Georgia and Florida. Power outage data as of 6 p.m. EDT indicates around 300,000 affected people in both Tennessee and Kentucky, and over 230,000 in Virginia.
Dam Threat in North Carolina
State officials have warned that the Lake Lure Dam, located approximately 35 miles southeast of Asheville, is at risk of imminent failure. Residents in the affected areas have been urged to evacuate and seek higher ground due to projected hazardous water flow conditions.
Airport and Travel Disruptions
The logistical impact of Hurricane Helene has also affected the airline sector. Tampa International Airport closed as a precaution at 2 a.m. EDT on Thursday but resumed operations on Friday morning without significant damage. However, hundreds of flights across major airports like Charlotte Douglas International, Greenville–Spartanburg International, and Asheville Regional have faced cancellations or delays due to the ongoing weather conditions.
Hurricane Season Overview
Hurricane Helene marks the eighth named storm for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which is noted to have been less active than initially projected. Earlier forecasts had indicated a potential for up to 25 named storms and 13 hurricanes this season, but developments have shifted expectations.
