Hurricane Helene has weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall in the southeastern United States on Friday (local time), leaving behind heavy damage.
Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding, destroyed homes, and left millions without power.
Hurricane Helene made landfall at around 11pm on September 26 (local time) near Perry, Florida, USA with winds of up to about 225km/h, becoming the first Category 4 hurricane recorded to hit Florida's Big Bend area since 1851.
Images show capsized boats, flattened homes and deep floodwaters.
In Steinhatchee, a coastal town just a few miles from where the storm made landfall, John Kujawski and his wife, Jamie Lee, drove a golf cart through debris and fallen trees, unable to believe the damage they saw. The small town recorded 9 feet of water, a record for local flooding.
“This is overwhelming,” Lee shared.
The storm continued to gain strength as it moved inland north of Florida and into Georgia. By 11 a.m. local time on September 27, the National Hurricane Center said Helene had weakened to a tropical storm, centered 30 miles southwest of Bryson City, North Carolina.
Flood warnings have been issued across the Carolinas and the Atlanta area, where up to 10 inches (250mm) of rain fell. Hundreds of rescues have been carried out as heavy rain and flooding continue to batter Florida's west coast.
At least 42 storm-related deaths have been reported in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, according to NBC. More than 4.4 million customers from Florida to the Carolinas and Virginia are without power.
In Tallahassee, more than 50 roads were blocked by fallen trees and more than 53,000 homes were without power.
In Florida, at least 7 people died due to the storm. In Pinellas County, 5 people died, and deaths in other counties continued to be updated.
In Georgia, 11 people were killed, including a rescue worker.
Hurricane Helene has left a devastating impact on the southeastern United States, and rescue efforts will continue in the coming days. Authorities are urging people to take precautions and seek safety as the severe weather continues.
Given the complex weather situation, if visitors plan to travel to areas affected by Hurricane Helene in the next few days, they should consider postponing or canceling their trip to ensure safety.
Do not enter areas at risk of flooding, landslides or high waves, prepare for emergencies including food, water, medicine, and other essential items.
Please remain vigilant and follow all instructions from the authorities during this time.
