Hurricane Helene ravages the Southeast, killing at least 22 and leaving millions without power

SUMMARY

Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida's Big Bend region, resulting in at least 22 fatalities and widespread destruction across the Southeast. The storm unleashed devastating flooding and high winds, leaving over 4.3 million people without power across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. In Florida, the storm caused significant damage, with water levels reaching over 15 feet in some areas. Officials in Clearwater reported rescues of elderly residents trapped in knee-deep water, while Perry urged residents to identify themselves in case of casualties. Georgia experienced 11 storm-related deaths, including a first responder, and North Carolina reported two fatalities, one of which was a 4-year-old child in a car accident due to heavy rains. Now a tropical storm, Helene continues to pose risks for catastrophic flooding and power outages as it moves northward. Biden has approved emergency declarations for several affected states.